

Cor Unum 2024
The official Yearbook of Sacré Cœur, an Independent Catholic School for girls. Founded in 1888 by the French order of nuns, the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ).
Sacré Cœur
Wurundjeri Country
172 Burke Road
GLEN IRIS, VIC 3146
P. 03 9835 2700
E. reception@sac.vic.edu.au W www.sac.vic.edu.au
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DMC Group
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Digital artwork - Alexandra Dimos (Year 9, 2024) and Eleni Dimos (Year 10, 2024)
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Ella Buxton
As Cor Unum Prefect, I assisted with the collation of this publication that is not merely a collection of events and achievements but acts as a platform for student voices through the stories and moments that have shaped our School Community over the past year.
This edition enables us to record 2024 through the exhibition of student work, a myriad of photos from House events and other School activities, as well as insights from our dedicated Teaching Staff and Leadership Team members.
It has been an honour to be the 2023-24 Cor Unum Prefect and to work alongside the many collaborators who made this publication possible. I would especially like to extend a thank you to Erin Hayley for all her hard work and support. As I pass on the role to our 2025 Prefect, Alicia Coburn, I look forward with excitement to see what the next publication of the annual will be.
I hope the pages of this edition provide you with a tangible proof of the memories that you have made during 2024.
Happy reading!
Adelina Melia-Douvos
As you take the time to savour each section of our Cor Unum yearbook, I hope that the pages speak to you of the unity of heart and mind which anchors our daily lives at Sacrè Cœur. As Sacred Heart educators, acutely aware of how globalisation, technological advancements, political, social and cultural shifts form the backdrop to the lives of our students, the words of Janet Erskine Stuart, whilst proclaimed well over 100 years ago, remain boldly relevant today, and strengthen our resolve to ensure that our students can embrace their future – prepared and confident.
Janet Erskine Stuart wrote: “We bring up the children for the future, not for the present…epochs of transition must keep us on alert. They ask us to keep our eyes open upon the distant horizons, our minds listening to seize every indication that can enlighten us; reading, reflection, searching, must never stop; the mind must keep flexible in order to lose nothing…. therefore, it is better to begin a great work than to finish a small one…”
Educational researchers and consultants, Professor B J Caldwell, (University of Alberta and The University of Melbourne) and Associate Professor D Loader (The University of Melbourne), writing in more recent times about future focused schools, have offered a contemporary reflection on the sentiments of Janet Erskine Stuart: “a futures focused school sees ahead, but also sees behind, honouring and extending its accomplishments in the past. It sees above in the sense of understanding the policy context. It sees below, demonstrating a deep understanding of the needs, interests, motivations and aspirations of students and staff. It sees beside by networking professional knowledge to take into account best practice in similar settings. It sees beyond by seeking best practice in other nations and in fields other than education. It is consistent and persistent; it sees it through.”
When I reflect on the words of Janet Erskine Stuart and those of Caldwell and Loader, the educationally and spiritually formative experience offered through The Sacred Heart Conference held in Japan in August, this year, at the International School of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo, which I attended, speaks to me of our continuing mission here at Sacrè Cœur. The conference brought together Principals, leaders and staff from Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Korea and India, representing at least twenty different countries across different continents, from the International Schools of the Sacred Heart. This rich experience was an explicit reminder of our international ties – so important if our students and staff are to realise their futures as global citizens.
The keynote address was delivered by Constance (Connie) Solari, who has been a Sacred Heart Educator for over 40 years, having taught French and English literature at Atherton Sacred Heart Schools. Connie Solari’s special relationship with the RSCJ also stems from the fact that she wrote
Sophie’s Fire: The Story of Madeleine Sophie Barat. She lived in Joigny for many months as part of the creative process of writing the novel so that she could breathe the essence of Madeleine Sophie and her life into every finely crafted sentence.
What has stayed with me since the Conference is the certainty that our foundress remains a vital, relevant, contemporary role model along with Janet Erskine Stuart, Philippine Duchesne and Mabel Digby – also known as our Wisdom Women. In fact, they remain women for all seasons and are 21th century heroines who continue to inspire our work in Sacred Hear t schools.
Connie Solari was acutely aware that Madeleine Sophie Barat mirrored the birth of a new era and, as such, that she has much to say to us about the future. Connie explored this in her keynote address so that we might better understand the legacy of our foundress. The intellect, the romantic (as in the celebration of the individual, glorification of nature and the emphasis on the imagination and emotions), the entrepreneur and the contemplative facets formed the discussion. And, it is within this context, that the words and images in this year’s Cor Unum yearbook speak to us.
The intellect: Students and staff actively engaged in the excitement of learning and teaching with the very act of education offering the gift of transformation so that “educators accompany young people in the development of attitudes essential for a life of meaning.” (Sophie’s Gift…Our Call to the Future).
The romantic: Celebration of individuals across the many pages of our Annual – their voice, their creativity, their role in fostering a sense of hope and meaning for each person of the School Community. The diverse gifts of all individuals in our School were nurtured through core curriculum, cocurricular and extra-curricular learning experiences which were relevant, robustly challenging and aimed at educating the whole person,
The entrepreneur: Through our strategic Future-Fit Framework, referenced throughout Cor Unum, our students and staff engaged in learning and teaching which saw them thinking creatively and critically, problem-solving, taking calculated risks – seeing and creating opportunities. Our Framework is based very much on the premise that, “the
future is not something we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths to it are not formed but made and the making of them changes both the maker and the destination.” (J. Schaar).
The contemplative: Encapsulated in this year’s Focus Goal, A Personal and Active Faith in God, was the importance of the contemplative. Through the regular coming together for whole School Masses, liturgies and Year Level Assemblies, and joining collectively through the experience of rituals at particular Year Levels, we gave expression to our faith life, and we acknowledged the importance of the interior life, providing opportunities for contemplation, stillness, reflection and prayer.
Central to any celebration of an academic year is profound gratitude to all who have enriched our School – our students, our staff, our parents and caregivers, our School Board and various committee members, our Alumnae and all whose generosity of spirit enhanced our community. Our Cor Unum yearbook is an expression of gratitude for a year lived together in joy, courage and hope. And, it is this gratitude, anchored in generosity, integrity and authenticity that propels us forward into a future in which education at Sacré Cœur continues to foster the heart and mind and creates infinite possibilities.
2023-2024 Blue Ribbons with Chris Maguire (Director of Student Wellbeing) and Principal, Adelina Melia-Douvos
Sacré Cœur: Developing Thinking, Deepening Understanding, Discovering Possibilities
Sacré Cœur’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan identified the need to develop a Future-Fit Framework to address the educational needs of our students. It specifically identified learning as challenging each student to achieve academically, use their knowledge to care for others and create a more just future. Therefore, learning at Sacré Cœur aims to transform the hearts and minds of our students.
The Strategic Plan also recognises the importance of professional learning as fundamental to the School’s excellence. By providing ongoing learning opportunities for staff to further develop their passion and knowledge of teaching, it aims to foster an appreciation for the individual needs of students and the development of contemporary skills.
The five values of Purpose, Excellence, Care, Hope and Connection underpin and unite learning and wellbeing by providing a clear roadmap for what is essential in contemporary education. They also shaped the key objectives for 2024, specifically the adoption of a new Learning Management System (Schoolbox), and a more targeted approach to Staff Professional Learning.
Seeking to make all learning visible, Schoolbox aims to effectively communicate and connect with educators, students and parents. This technology enables the School Community to better engage with learning and provides students with a platform to help them navigate their own learning. In Semester 1, the entire staff worked on developing
the necessary skills to implement and populate the Learning Management System. They willingly embraced change by adopting new technology and collaborating. The professional rollout of Phase 1 of the project is a testament to the dedication to ongoing learning from all our staff.
The five values have also shaped staff professional learning, with a greater emphasis on professional practice, research and peer observation. In 2024, all staff participated in professional learning related to how the values impact school life and the classroom. This was specifically addressed on the staff professional learning day on Monday, 15 April, where five guest speakers unpacked how the values influence their work. The five presentations prompted deep reflection among staff about how the values can influence education and their role in preparing future-ready citizens.
Sacré Cœur aims to develop young people who know and understand how to think, who possess the ability to deepen their understanding and who seek solutions to the problems they and their world face.
The School’s focus on ensuring our students are future-fit is evident in the programs we offer and the value we place on student voice and autonomy. Secondary School Assemblies are student-led and cover topics not just related to school life but also issues related to student wellbeing, such as the impact of social media on adolescents and global concerns related to sustainability and social justice. Digital Technology is a compulsory subject in Years 7 and 8, and in 2025 there
will be five classes of the Year 9 Digital Technology elective, as well as a VCE Unit 3 and 4 Applied Computing class. Students are voting with their feet and choosing subjects that develop their capacity to design products that showcase their learning.
The importance of design is also emphasized through our Year 8 "Design Your Future" project, where students combine their knowledge of Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Creative Arts to create a sustainable house. Programs such as Year 9 Financial Literacy, Community Service and our Indigenous Artist in Residence contribute to our rich and diverse educational offerings that promote inclusivity and understanding of others. Likewise, our participation in the Year 10 United Nations Program aimed at ending modern slavery and the Bionics Institute Mentor Program allows our students to experience firsthand how they can actively shape their future.
"Virtually every successful person starts with two core beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so."
— Thomas Frey, Futurist
All of our offerings are made possible by our extremely dedicated and professional staff who are committed to excellence and continuous improvement. I applaud their efforts in staying abreast of educational change, societal shifts and technological developments. They also invest time in revisiting the curriculum, devising new programs and ensuring learning remains relevant. I thank them for their ongoing support and efforts as educators.
Purpose - the essence of all learning and living. It gives us agency and voice, and it develops our discernment, wisdom, and capacity for reflective thought.
Excellence - realising one’s potential and becoming the best versions of one’s self. It is a lifelong journey of learning and striving to be the best one can be, both for ourselves and for others.
Care - necessary for ourselves, for each other, for our community, and for our world, especially for those who struggle to care for themselves or to advocate for their own needs. We all have a responsibility to love, nurture, and care for one another, and we must actively seek courageous solutions to the problems we face.
Hope - essential for our well-being, the future of our world, sustainability, social justice, and the role we play in our communities and as global citizens. Living a hopeful life means working to create a better world for ourselves and others.
Connection - the interrelatedness between learning, relationships, and communities. It is how we grow and thrive. We connect our learning to our actions, to others, to our community, to our Sacred Heart schools, and to the world around us. We contribute to creating welcoming and inclusive communities for all.
Janine Hogan
Our Junior School’s namesake, Joigny, is a town about 140km south of Paris, France. Nestled amidst the rolling, vine-covered hills characteristic of the Burgundy region, the River Yonne flows between the old town and the new.
Joigny was founded by the Romans in 369AD and fortified at the end of the 10th century. Today, within the old town walls, much of Joigny’s medieval architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries remains. One such building is the house at 11 rue Davier where St Madeleine Sophie Barat was born on 12 December 1779.
In this house, a young Sophie received an extraordinary education, tutored in Latin, Greek, history, natural science, Mathematics, Spanish and Italian by her older brother Louis. This opportunity, rare for females at the time, set the stage for Sophie’s vision to found the RSCJ order and her lifelong commitment to establishing Sacred Heart schools in France and around the world.
Sophie was a pioneer - an advocate for empathy, social justice and the personal development of students long before these concepts became mainstream. Her story is significant because it exemplifies curiosity, courage, faith, independent thought and tenacity, from which we may all learn.
Sophie was, and continues to be, an influencer who shapes thoughts and the lives of others through the way she lived. Two hundred and forty-five years after her birth, education remains the means through which Sophie sows change. As Joigny students explore the rich and full life she led, they gain an understanding of the impact that one individual can have. Sophie’s vision was remarkable; she held faith and hope, worked diligently, embraced innovation, persevered through difficulties and led courageously. These are the traits we encouraged in each of our students as they pursued their academic and co-curricular endeavours this year.
Sophie was a trailblazer who valued intellectual growth. I believe she would have taken a keen interest in the study of Einsteinian Physics undertaken by the Joigny students this year, as well as the learning they explored on neuroplasticity introduced in the Wellness Curriculum. I can envision Sophie eagerly applying to be selected as one of the ten Year 6 delegates who travelled to Adelaide to contribute to the 2024 Ignatian Leadership Conference. Sharing conversation and ideas about leadership would likely to have appealed to Sophie’s sense of voice and agency.
Sophie loved children and was deeply invested in her community. She would recognise that for many of our Prep
students, school represents the first community beyond their family. She would appreciate the significant role our Year 5 students played as Buddies this year, establishing caring connections with each child who started school. I believe she would also notice the joy and validation that these relationships, in turn, brought to our Year 5s.
I am confident that Sophie would be delighted to see the connections between Sacré Cœur and Sacred Heart Schools worldwide. Joigny students warmly welcomed this year’s international immersion students into their classes, captivated by hearing about life in France and Japan, and eager to practise their French speaking skills. Our Years 5 and 6 students further engaged with students from L'école Sophie Barat, Paris, through their Penpal Program. As a prolific letter-writer who penned near to 14,000 letters in her lifetime, Sophie constantly worked to develop connections with others.
The international network of schools that Sophie envisioned provides a rich experience of global community for our young people. From an early age, Joigny students work to understand and connect with people in near and far reaches of the world, including the community of Sophie’s Farm in Northern Samar. This natural international connection is an incredible asset to the holistic education that we seek to provide our students, offering social justice learning and outreach opportunities.
Sophie was keenly aware that significant achievements require united effort - the hands of many continue her vision today. In 2024, our work centred on the development and implementation of our Future-Fit Framework, with new curriculum and wellbeing initiatives addressing the pillars of Excellence, Purpose, Care, Hope and Connection. As a central element of our School’s Strategic Plan, this work will be ongoing in 2025. I am grateful to students, staff and parents for their engagement in these shared projects. I also thank our dedicated Joigny staff, whose enthusiasm, expertise and professionalism support the learning and success of our students. Additionally, I extend my thanks to our Parents’ Association, Parent Representatives at each year level and the One Heart Family Support team for fostering social connections and assistance within our community.
Gerry Rodrigues
The Sacré Cœur Parents' Association contributes to building an inclusive School Community by providing a parent voice to the Principal, School Board and Community Council on matters relevant to the Parents’ Association. Most importantly, the PA actively encourages and facilitates the participation of all parents in the life of the School, and the education of their daughters, by providing opportunities for social interaction among members of the School Community.
In 2024, the PA once again ran numerous social functions and supported Year-Level Coordinators for specific activities such as the New Families Welcome Morning Tea, the Joigny Welcome Picnic and various year-level parent functions.
The School year was filled with many wonderful Parents’ Association events beginning with our welcome morning teas for all new Sacré Cœur parents. It was great to see our new families mingling together. Following the morning teas, the PA hosted the Joigny Family Picnic which is always a fantastic opportunity for parents and young students to join in the fun as the new school begins.
'Carnaval' came to Sacré Cœur at the Welcome Cocktail party in March. The “Summer Cocktail” theme provided a fantastic opportunity for parents to dress up and kick up their heels. It was a truly enjoyable event, a wonderful way to start the year and, for many parents, the beginning of new friendships which have only strengthened during the year.
The PA also had the chance to support the School’s French Village Fair in March by running its own marquee which was extremely popular. I think we all agree that the Fair was an enormous success with great food, music, rides, games and other activities, so a big thank you to the Fair organisers, parent volunteers, staff and our students who made the day such a success.
Our Mother/Daughter and Father/Daughter Mass and Breakfasts/Brunches were once again highlights of the year. These two special events are very popular with parents and students alike. Both include a beautiful mass followed by a lovely breakfast or brunch and allow some very special time for the girls to share with their parents and/or carers. It was wonderful to see such a happy crowd!
Our other special event the girls look forward to is the Grandparents and Special Friends Afternoon. Our Prep to Year 6 students take this opportunity to share a slice of school life with them. This is one of our favourite events of the year with teachers hosting guests in classrooms, our choirs performing, parents helping with afternoon tea and visitors in the hundreds.
The Ladies Lunch was held this year at Leonda by the Yarra. This event was a huge success with over 220 ladies attending; a wonderfully colourful and fun event - one to
add to the calendar next year too! A very big thank you to the companies that donated prizes and helped us raise over $5000 for the Food Bank Victoria which created 8350 meals!
Our Joigny Family Christmas party with music, food, laughter and plenty of Christmas spirit rounds off our School year functions.
The PA also raises funds for the benefit of present and future students and contributes to the wellbeing of the School Community through specific programs such as the Second Hand Uniform Store (SHUS). The Second-hand Uniform Store is run by volunteers and is open during certain days of the week. Families can view and check out what’s available before buying new! The shop is well stocked in summer and winter clothes, all of high quality and 50% or more off the new price! Parents can sell on consignment or donate clothes their daughter no longer needs. All the proceeds go back to the PA to support the School Community. Term dates for the Second Hand Uniform Store can be checked on the Sacré Cœur PA and Sacré Cœur Facebook pages or on Schoolbox. Any questions can be emailed directly to SecondHand. UniformShop@sac.vic.edu.au.
The Parents’ Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all school families for your ongoing support with all the functions that we’ve had the pleasure of organising throughout the year. Thanks, in particular, to our PA Executive: Theo, Trhia and Stephanie, members of the PA General Committee, Events Coordinators Effie Litas-Vlahos and Maria Claydon for their amazing work in putting together many of the events and Jyana for her tireless work in coordinating year-level functions. We would also like to acknowledge the amazing support and encouragement we received throughout the year from our wonderful Principal, Deputy Principal and School Admin staff.
Finally, just a reminder that all parents with children at the School are automatically members of the Parents' Association. If you would like to become a member of the PA Committee, you are welcome to attend any of the PA meetings which are held each term. To get involved or learn more about the work of the PA, you can also look us up on the SAC website or contact any on the Committee.
Kate Malone
As I step into the role of Chair of the Sacré Cœur Foundation, I am filled with immense gratitude and inspiration as I reflect on the remarkable journey we have shared in 2024.
This year has been a testament to the power of our collective efforts, and I am honoured to be part of a community so deeply committed to the values of excellence, compassion and empowerment.
Our mission—to enrich the educational experience at Sacré Cœur through dedicated fundraising, strategic investments, and thoughtful stewardship—has flourished this year, thanks to the unwavering support of our extraordinary community. Together, we have achieved milestones that will leave a lasting impact on our students and the future of our School.
One of the highlights of 2024 was the outstanding success of our Annual Appeal. Through your generosity, we raised $56,714.76, enabling us to provide eleven ongoing Florence Buckley Bursaries, as well as the 75% Kathleen McCarthy and Patricia Thomas Bursaries. These vital funds ensure that students who embody the spirit of Sacré Cœur have access to the transformative education they deserve.
In addition, we were proud to award two fee concessions to our talented music students through the Sr Mary Arthur Fund, nurturing the next generation of artistic voices and celebrating the importance of creativity in our community.
A truly memorable moment of the year was the Foundation Awards ceremony, where we celebrated students from Joigny and the Senior School who exemplify integrity, initiative, and leadership.
• Annika de Reus (Joigny)
• Tehya Murray (Secondary)
Their remarkable achievements will be commemorated with engraved pavers in the Cor Unum Walk, creating a lasting legacy that reflects the values we hold dear.
We were also privileged to host an inspiring panel of alumnae—Eliza Bergin, Chantelle Elliott, Soha Refaat and Hayley Yates—who shared their diverse career journeys in engineering, law, and nursing. Their stories illuminated the profound impact of a Sacré Cœur education, reminding us that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but about empowering individuals to make a meaningful difference in the world.
As we look ahead, the Foundation Board is deeply committed to strengthening our engagement with the community in 2025 and beyond. We are excited to embark on new initiatives that will further enhance the educational experience of our
students and ensure that Sacré Cœur continues to be a place of excellence and innovation.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to our success this year—our generous supporters, dedicated Board members, and the incredible staff who work tirelessly to bring our vision to life. Your commitment and passion are the driving force behind everything we achieve.
I also want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Daniel for his exceptional leadership as Chair over the past five years. His dedication, vision and unwavering commitment have laid a strong basis for the Foundation’s work, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.
As we move forward, I am excited to collaborate with both current and new directors to build on this momentum and ensure a bright and prosperous future for Sacré Cœur. Together, we will continue to foster a legacy of excellence, compassion and community that empowers our students to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your support is the heart of everything we do, and I look forward to achieving even greater heights together in the years to come.
The Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association has a proud history since its establishment, and exists to enable contact and mutual support amongst former students of the School. The Association’s charter also aims to encourage loyalty to Sacré Cœur and members of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
As a Committee, it gives us great pleasure to reflect upon the many wonderful events and activities that the Association has been involved with in 2024.
Commencing, as usual, with the Alumnae Mass and High Tea on 26 May, we were thrilled with how well attended this event was, bringing together many alumnae from different decades. This year, we were blessed with the attendance by and support from the featured Classes of 1954, 1964 and 1974. We thank Allegra Reid (2023) for conducting the day’s highly anticipated School tour, which turned out to be a very lively one as the alumnae recalled, with delight, their school days at Sacré Cœur, carting books up and down the iconic brown and blue stairs.
The Mass and High Tea event also marked the investiture of Celeste Medcalfe (1987) and Mylinh Lee (1989) as incoming Co-Presidents of the Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association. We took this opportunity to acknowledge and thank outgoing President, Gemma Rice-Van Heer and to also express our gratitude to interim President Kerry Bergin, who stepped in after Gemma Rice-Van Heer.
The High Tea also gave us an opportunity to formally thank Kerry for her long-time contribution to Sacré Cœur – it was most pleasing to be able to formally acknowledge Kerry in the presence of attending alumnae, current School staff and her three daughters: Eliza, Class of 1991; Alice, Class of 1996 and Priscilla, Class of 1998. Kerry was part of the Alumnae Association Committee between 2013-2024 serving as President between 2018 - 2021 and stepped in once again in 2024. Kerry was also a representative of the Australian Sacré Cœur Association.
Following the High Tea, the Alumnae Association held the Generations Afternoon Tea on 17 September, which brought together families with several generations of Sacré Cœur women in celebration of unity, legacy and long-held traditions, all in the spirit of Cor Unum. This beautiful event showcased the values of a connected community, one with history, and celebrated the life-long love of the School.
Perhaps the most moving event the Alumnae organised this year was the annual Alumnae Mass of Remembrance. This took place in the beautiful Sacré Cœur Chapel on 9 November and was attended by alumnae, staff, parents and friends. It honoured loved ones who passed away the previous year. An emotional morning of reflection and prayers was followed by the lighting of candles in Mater’s Chapel, serving
as a reminder of the warmth, care and connection that is the cornerstone of our cherished Sacré Cœur community. Morning tea was provided to enable families to catch up with one another after the Mass.
Aside from the above key events, the Committee was kept busy throughout the year with hosting of no fewer than 10 reunions. The Classes which had reunions in 2024 were the following in order of when they occurred:
• 1984
• 1989
• 1994
• 2004
• 2014
• 2023
• 1954
• 1974
• 1964
• 2019
The Alumnae Association is also active in marking key birthday visits for the RSCJ Sisters based in Melbourne. One major milestone this year was the occasion of Sister Nickie Flipo’s 100th birthday. This was a joyful day for Sr Nickie and one that involved many members of the School Community and included beautiful singing by our students.
In the philanthropic area, the Association continues to focus on where our funds can provide the most impact. This year, we once again chose as our goal the extraordinary work of Sister Lydia and her team at Sophie’s Farm.
In closing, the Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association would like to give a special thank you to Mark Oski, our departing Director of Mission, who has been instrumental in assisting our Association with its two key masses annually for the past 26 years, and we wish him well in happy retirement. We also wish to thank the Sacré Cœur School Board, the Sacré Cœur Foundation, the Sacré Cœur Small Pleasures Fund and the Sacré Cœur Community Council and the Sacré Cœur Community Relations Team, and all parents, teachers, support staff and students for their cooperation and assistance throughout the year. Not least, we wish to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the Sophia Education Ministries and the global impact the work of RSCJ Sisters of the Sacred Heart past and present, in the education of young people.
The Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association is available to every student at Sacré Cœur once they leave Burke Road. Our
success depends on the energy and generosity of time and spirit of all involved and we thank everyone who donated to our cause. Most of all, we would like to thank all the Association Committee members as follows:
• Jane Murfett
• Claire Arbuthnot
• Lizzie Joyce
• Genevieve Grabau
• Gabrielle Garlepp
• Krystal Salloum
• Brigitte Kourasanis
• Steph Quinn
• Lorena Buccella
• Olivia Fagan
• Meg Lauritz
• Anna Lauritz
• Clara Yew
As we embark on our second year as Co-Presidents, we look forward to continuing the work of uniting us in Cor Unum, energising and celebrating our wonderful network in 2025.
Dorothy Tselios
At the conclusion of this academic year, I can report with pride that our School continues to respond actively to the changing educational landscape while remaining true to its fundamental mission. This two-fold commitment not only guides the Board but affirms our dedication to an inclusive and transformative learning environment. In this, we are supported by the Sacré Cœur Staff who balance their extensive teaching experience with innovative practices and work tirelessly to provide an exceptional education that prepares our students to thrive in a complex, interconnected and competitive world.
Reflecting on the year, I am delighted to share that the School Board, along with our Principal, Adelina MeliaDouvos, and the Leadership Team, have remained focussed on the implementation of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Along with the Board’s commitment to mission and the strategic direction of Sacré Cœur, fundamental to our governance role are the continued responsibility for sound financial management, child safety, risk management and regulatory compliance.
The building of community is central to life at Sacré Cœur. I am thrilled that throughout the 2024 school year, we have shared in many memorable community-building occasions. The success of the Welcome Cocktail Evening in February launched a dynamic array of events for our School Community, with highlights, including: Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, as well as Masses and Breakfasts in honour of Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day. Among these cherished events was the dignified and always deeply moving Alumnae Mass of Remembrance. However, the stand-out event – result of a concerted community effort – was, once again, the French Village Fair.
The dedicated Parents' Association and Parent Representatives ensured that parents from each Year Level had the opportunity to participate in a variety of social gatherings during 2024. Additionally, we were delighted to welcome back many alumnae for reunions, underscoring the hard work of the Alumnae Association and the strong, lifelong ties our School fosters.
The Cor Unum annual is a testament to the impressive talents of students across the Junior and Senior Schools. Reflected across each page is high level student engagement, with
pride evident in all learning opportunities offered across the curriculum and co-curricular life of the School. Enriching opportunities through national and international reciprocal exchanges were also offered to many students. A particular highlight was our participation in the ANZNET Conference in New Zealand.
Looking ahead, the School Board remains committed to the fostering of innovation within the Sacré Cœur curriculum by incorporating technology and interdisciplinary approaches that actively engage all learners. We recognise the importance of preparing our young women not only academically but as confident, strong individuals. The School’s steadfast dedication to creativity, critical thinking and collaboration will, we believe, nurture their personal growth and empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our School Board Directors and Committee Members for their invaluable time and expertise. I also want to acknowledge this year’s retiring volunteers for their exceptional service to our School.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Principal Adelina Melia-Douvos, our devoted staff, students, parents, caregivers and the wider School Community. Your unwavering support throughout the year has been both inspiring and humbling. I encourage everyone to remain involved—whether through volunteering, attending of events or the sharing of insights. Together, we can continue to strengthen our community by honouring our past and boldly facing the future.
In conclusion, let us remain united in our mission to inspire and empower our young women, preparing them to excel in whatever spheres they choose.
During our time as School Co-Captains this year we have often been asked the question: “What does it mean to be a Sacré Cœur student?”
While we could give you a plain answer, that Sacré Cœur students are considerate and caring, which is correct, it has become very evident to us that the essence of a Sacré Cœur student is much more than that.
Our leadership was underpinned by the 2024 Sacred Heart Focus Goal of A personal and active faith in God, pursuing the theme of “Let Your Light Shine”. In true Sacré Cœur spirit, we saw all students embrace this goal wholeheartedly, involving themselves in the lighting of our weekly prayer candles, taking part in an increased celebration during our Prayer Week and showing an interest in our newly developed 'Moment with the Mission Team' videos!
We admire how students of all year levels embraced what it means to be a part of Sacré Cœur in 2024. It has been a pleasure to observe individuals become involved in all facets of School life, from GSV sport to Music, Debating, Drama performances and House events. It is true that our School is more than simply a location where we learn; it is a tapestry of diverse personalities and stories that together have a great impact on the family that we are all a part of. We are similarly delighted to observe the enthusiastic response from our peers towards our new initiative of a student-run Instagram account, aimed at highlighting the achievements of individuals and promoting positive relationships between year levels.
Attending Principal’s tours with Ms Melia-Douvos throughout the year, we often emphasised that the tight-knit community, plethora of opportunities and unwavering support from staff are distinctive of our School’s values and identity. We are
immensely grateful for the many opportunities during our time here and for the guidance and assistance by Ms MeliaDouvos, the Leadership Team and staff. We are grateful to you for being compassionate and approachable mentors who aided the advancement of our proposals to foster a positive future.
To the Class of 2024: we want to commend you all for making valuable contributions to the Sacré Cœur community, and we hope that the memories which you have made at 172 Burke Road will be with you forever. Although we’re sentimental that our time as a group is over, we are incredibly excited to see what the future holds and know that you will utilise your talents and knowledge for the betterment of the wider community.
For the Class of 2025 and beyond: we encourage you to let your minds explore, to hone in on your passions and to shape a future where you are inspired every day. Make the most of your time at School.
So what does it mean to be a Sacré Cœur student? It means pushing yourself to new limits and striving for greatness, whilst being a reliable friend who lights the fire of those around them. We know this because we have been lucky to be surrounded by Sacré Cœur girls every day in a deeply enriching academic and social environment.
Arts Leaders
As Arts Leaders of 2024, we had an amazing year filled with exciting opportunities. Some of the best moments were organising events such as an Art Competition and the House Photography Competition. We got to speak at the French Village Fair, Grandparents’ Day, the Joingy Music Concert and Joigny Musical. The most memorable event that will stay with us throughout our lives was organising and bringing our class to Wicked the musical! After much time, effort, persevering and persuading, we finally got to announce what we had achieved and the excitement on everyone’s faces told us it was worth all the hard work!
Elise, Esther, Sienna & Emily
Cor Unum Leaders
As the Cor Unum leaders of 2024 we have accomplished many goals and have had many opportunities to build our Joigny community. We especially enjoyed making the ‘One Heart Magazine’. We designed the magazine to showcase the amazing accomplishments of the Joigny students throughout the year. We had lots of fun taking photos at all of the sports, music and House events such as Cross Country, House Aerobics, Grandparents Day and the Joigny Music concert. We put the photos into the magazine so everyone could be featured. We hope that we have made a magazine that everyone can enjoy.
Ava H, Katie, Lillianna and Amelie C
SRC Leaders
As the Student Representative Council of 2024 we have accomplished many goals and dreams, such as giving Joigny students a voice through the Idea Box. We created a Fairy Garden to be a wonderland of imagination and happiness for the students. It has given us pure joy to see the smiles on students’ faces as they receive Aussie of the Month. It has been a huge challenge to pick these recipients since there are
so many amazing students. We have deeply appreciated our role as leaders and hope that we have made a positive impact on our community.
Charlotte, Sophie H, Cherie and Lizzy
As Joigny Language and Literature leaders for 2024, we are proud to say that we have achieved many great things. We have hosted the 60 Word Story Challenge and one of our favourite events, Book Week. We dressed up as many interesting book characters and spent the day helping the younger girls with their activities. We have faced some challenges like setting up Book Week and the speeches, but persisted and made the most out of these experiences. We believe we have become stronger leaders and better role models to Joigny students. We have had a wonderful year contributing to the Joigny community.
Abbey C, Grace L, Sophie L and Victoria S
As 2024 Communication Leaders, we have enjoyed writing the Joigny Newsletters. We love writing about all of our big and small events such as Sacred Heart Day, Book Week and so much more. There have been hard times when we couldn’t organise things or couldn’t get everything done, but we always pushed through and we learnt from our mistakes. We loved making a green screen about our Year 6 Science Projects. Overall our Year 6 Leader journey has been so much fun throughout the year.
London, Emily Hu, Chelsea, Sasha and Vithusha
As Public Speaking leaders of 2024, we have experienced many amazing opportunities and most of all, we have gotten to run ALL the Assemblies! As leaders, we are prepared to go into the Senior School with new found skills of speaking
in front of large crowds which shall help us incredibly well in our future. Being a leader comes with facing troubles like events getting cancelled or slides in assembly getting mixed up. But mistakes have helped us realise that you can always improvise. Improvising is the main key to being part of a leader, once you learn how to improvise, you can fix any mistake!
Ella Z, Nellie, Alyssa and Isabelle
Digby House Leaders
We have enjoyed our time as the 2024 Digby House Leaders. We have had so much fun making new chants and sharing them with the “Little Diggers”, along with helping Joigny students with their events. We have loved dressing up in yellow and decorating our tents to show house spirit. We have enjoyed handing out prizes to students who have tried their hardest, and embraced the opportunity of helping out in Huff and Puff. Overall, we have learned how to be great leaders and how to connect with younger students. GO DIGBY!
Amelie K, Amelia, Tashia and Eloise
Duchesne House Leaders
As Duchesne House Leaders of 2024, we have achieved so much. From helping the shy students to break out of their shell to hyping up all of the younger grades with our booming loud chants. We have made more connections with the younger grades and have participated in many events, some of our favourites being Swimming and Cross Country. We all had a great time growing our Duchesne community. Our leadership journey wasn’t perfect – we faced some challenges. But in the end, we gained patience and persistence, an important part of the amazing experience of being a leader.
Clarabelle, Kristen, Grace O and Harper
Barat House Leaders
As Barat House Leaders, we have had the chance to bond with younger year levels and create new friendships. Whether it was during Huff and Puff in the morning or after school sports. We loved helping out at the Prep - Year 2 Cross Country event. Watching the younger students run with joy and trying their best to win made our day. We really liked having meetings at lunch and teaching the whole of Joigny Barat the chants we came up with ourselves. We enjoyed being Barat House Leaders and we will remember the memories made with a bright smile.
Cynthia , Emily F, Ava and Abbey M
Stuart House Leaders
Our biggest accomplishments as Stuart House Leaders were winning House Aerobics and House Athletics. We started House Duty Week by ourselves. Huff and Puff was a blast. We had an amazing time sharing our mornings with the P-2. We encouraged the younger students in Stuart to always try their hardest and never give up, to capture the good times and develop from the negatives and if it doesn't turn out right, take another shot. We hope the future Year 6 leaders of 2025 will carry on our tradition. GO STUART!
Dharma, Gigi, Chloe & Yianna
Sacred Heart Leaders
As Sacred Heart Leaders for 2024, we have accomplished many things. We organised activities for Sacred Heart Day and Project Compassion. Attending meetings and working as a team, we developed our communication skills and connected with each other. We visited classrooms during homeroom and shared information about upcoming events with them. We hope the new Sacred Heart leaders have just as much fun as we have!
Annie, Maddie, Alex, Ella L
Mark Oski
The 2016 RSCJ Chapter meeting called for the writing of a contemporary philosophy of Sacred Heart Education. In response to this call, the RSCJ formed an International Education Commission, which after five years of research, deliberation and reflection published in late 2023 a document entitled: Sacred Heart Education Philosophy: Sophie’s Gift … Our Call to the Future.
The document reaffirms Saint Madeleine Sophie’s gift and vision. It clearly announces that the future is firmly founded on the mission of the Society, but that, since the education is one of embracing ‘the human’, it must adapt to more effective and contemporary ways of understanding ‘the human’ and how to relate to ‘the human’ while preserving its core principles – its philosophical base. At the core of this philosophy, is the unconditional regard for the human dignity of each person with the quality of relationships being central to this vision. In the twenty-first century, this philosophy translates into an educational practice centred on each person within the community, in which educators accompany people in the development of attitudes essential for a life with meaning.
The document presents eight doorways, ‘portals’, by which the philosophy is realised in education.
1. Education...a process of humanisation
Education is a service of close relationship, deep respect and love in action. The experience of being loved nurtures in each person a deep appreciation of human dignity, confidence in being an agent of one’s own growth and a sense of personal worth.
2. Education...a path towards transformation
The quality of relationships creates a space characterized by an ethic of care and unconditional acceptance of the other, where everyone receives and gives so that all can grow together.
3. Education... a practice rooted in silence
Our perspective as educators is shaped by our own interiority, our relationship with the Spirit and with our community. We cannot develop this perspective without choosing to create in our consciousness, in our heart, the space and time for silence.
4. Education...the art of contemplation
At the heart of our educational mission is the integration of a contemplative approach to the world in our own lives. Taking the time to stop and pray.
5. Education...formation in thought and critical consciousness
To stay true to our intention as educators, we aspire to develop multiple intelligences and support individuals to reach their potential. Developing the capacity to think critically necessitates intellectual training that fosters penetration of thought and inquiry.
6. Education...an intentional practice
Generating learning through experience, encouragement and mutual discovery, we engage all the members of the community in processes that are inherently relational, dynamic, dialogic and reciprocal. Integral formation encourages the virtues and habits essential to live a fully human life.
7. Education...seeking a common horizon
As educators we respond to the realities within our own context, always looking towards that horizon where we are called to be one. We see education as a dialogue and partnership with people, many of whom have different beliefs, and yet, all of whom draw from a universal system of values.
8. Going beyond borders to serve all
We embrace the universality of humanity and feel called beyond differences of nationalities, languages and faith traditions.
Sophie’s Gift …Our Call to the Future is a fundamental and paramount document for all Sacred Heart Schools as it enunciates the philosophical foundations of contemporary Sacred Heart Education,
Sacred Heart Week is a special time in the School calendar. It is a time of coming together to build community and celebrate our Sacred Heart spirit.
This year, students participated enthusiastically in various lunchtime activities during the Week, including: House Trivia, Dodge Ball, Just Dance, the Student-Staff Debate and the Sacré Cœur Paper, Rock, Scissors championship.
Sacred Heart Day began with a whole School Mass celebrating the theme 'Let the Light Shine'. We acknowledged the 136 years of Sacred Heart Education at Sacré Cœur, giving thanks and gratitude for the legacy of the RSCJ. Fifteen students were gifted a Tin Medallion in recognition of being a Sacré Cœur student for a decade.
After Mass, students gathered in their Homerooms to experience moments in Sacré Cœur’s history in viewing the following audio-visual presentations:
• A pictorial History of Sacré Cœur 1880 – 2000
• 20th Anniversary – The Building of the McGuiness Centre
• 15th Anniversary – Sacred Heart Global Dance Project (International & Sacré Cœur videos)
• 10th Anniversary – Goals Mural
The Day concluded with the traditional Mission Fete which raised money for Sophie’s Farm.
In recent years, during Sacred Heart Week, the School engaged in the community building activity of creating String Art pieces inspired by one of Madeleine Sophie’s most famous motivational quotes ‘Courage and Confidence’.
During Sacred Heart Week in 2022, the School created the first String Art piece using the word Courage. To complete Sophie’s saying, this year, students threaded blue coloured cotton between nails to create the word Confidence.
These String Art pieces are now displayed in the Hall.
Roderina Chua, Angela Murphy, Tehya Murray & Bridget Slattery
This year, the Conference was hosted by Baradene College in New Zealand. Four Year 11 students: Roderina Chua, Angela Murphy, Tehya Murray and Bridget Slattery were successful in their application to attend and meet students from our three other ANZNET schools in KRB, Baradene and Stuartholme. All had the opportunity to participate directly in the conference and in sessions that focussed specifically on leadership development.
Here is a reflection from the participating students:
Arriving at the airport at 7 am in what felt like subzero temperatures was no easy feat. However, based on Mr Maguire’s airport outfit, shorts and birks, you would’ve thought that we were going on a tropical getaway and not the chilly temperatures of Auckland NZ! We were excited to see what New Zealand was like, as none of us had been there before.
Once we arrived on New Zealand shores, we made the short taxi ride to Baradene before being collected by our host families. This enabled us to connect with our host students, and to build closer relationships with those from the other ANZNET schools. Additionally, it allowed us to adjust to the accent change which proved a challenge on the first day.
The focus of the Conference was “Social Media in the Light of Catholic/RSCJ Values,” with the keynote address delivered by Rev Dr Richard Leonard (SJ). Fr Richard explored the social media reality facing young people in New Zealand and Australia, including AI.
He dwelled on the three major influences on our lives: family, school and social media. His key message was that as adolescents we must be judicious consumers – make informed, discerning choices online, free of personal condemnation.
Therese Lautua, an alumna from Baradene, reflected on her own experiences and the way in which her faith shaped her into the person she is today. She focussed on leadership and how we, as children of the Sacred Heart, enjoy the privilege of going to a Sacred Heart School, but emphasised that this privilege has an attendant responsibility. She found that faith can offer guidance and hope in one’s life and encouraged us to use our past to help shape our future.
The final speaker we heard from was Father Martin Wu. His focus was the strengths and challenges that we face in a changing social media world. He encouraged us to reflect on the authenticity of our relationships as “the screen” can often create a barrier between ourselves and prevent true, meaningful connections with others. He emphasised that we should focus on our individual purpose in the world, and the way we shape our actions and relationships with those around us.
Our stay did allow us to briefly experience New Zealander life. Following the conference on Friday, students from all four Schools got changed into ‘Mufti’ (their term for casual clothes) and set off shopping and out for dinner at New Market. Bridget, and one of the girls from Baradene ended up walking around the shopping centre in their school shoes having forgotten their ‘Mufties’. At dinner, all four of us decided to get “fash and chaps” which Angela kindly ordered for us in her best New Zealand accent.
We got to try Fruit Bursts and Feijoa, the latter causing some heated arguments about pronunciation! We enjoyed watching a Kapa Haka performance and participated in a traditional Mauri song which welcomed us to their land.
The final day was emotional. We packed up and stacked into a minibus after some long and rather dramatic goodbyes. Upon arriving at the New Zealand airport Mr Maguire allowed us to practise our wise freedom by skipping the queue and checking himself in, leaving the four of us to check ourselves in. Fortunately Tehya was on it and allowed her inner airport mum to shine as all our bags were weighed and tagged.
We would like to say a big thank you to all the teachers who supported us at the conference, and a special thank you to Mr Maguire for all the organising that he did to ensure that the trip ran smoothly. All four of us feel very grateful for the opportunity to attend the Sacred Heart Conference which wouldn’t have been possible without his hard work.
Year 11 students : go for this opportunity. You’ll also have a blast and learn so much!
Brigit Keel
In late 2023 and early 2024, 21 students embarked on a journey to our sister schools in the United States, France and Japan, staying with the students they had hosted earlier in the year. Upon their return in early 2024, these students eagerly shared their adventures with friends and the School Community, highlighting the sights they had seen and the lasting friendships they had formed.
Their experiences inspired further Sacré Cœur students and families to host students from our sister schools throughout 2024.
Japan Experience: "As a Year 11 Japanese student, I had the privilege of visiting Japan and Obayashi Sacred Heart School on a three-week exchange. This opportunity immersed me in Japanese daily life, from navigating airports independently to participating in school activities like Christmas carol rehearsals and calligraphy. It was a transformative experience that taught me independence and cultural appreciation. I can't wait to reunite with the friends I made!" — Perri Lawson
France Experience: "During the summer holidays, six of us travelled to France for the Sacred Heart Immersion Program. Exploring Parisian landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and adjusting to school life at Lycée Sophie Barat, our days were filled with new experiences. Despite initial challenges like adjusting to French meals and long school days, we formed lasting bonds with our French peers. Leaving was emotional and we look forward to returning."
— Sophia Gribble
French Language Experience: "Spending three weeks speaking French non-stop was both challenging and rewarding. This immersion pushed me out of my comfort zone, improved my language skills and gave me insight into French culture. The friendships and memories I made are priceless, and I encourage others to seize similar opportunities."
— Ava Simpson
American Adventure: "Despite initial doubts about traveling alone, my visit to New Orleans was unforgettable. From trying iconic American foods to exploring the vibrant French Quarter, I immersed myself in American culture and history. This journey broadened my horizons and left me grateful for the chance to experience life in another part of the world." —Amelia Ronchi
ANZNET Sister School Immersion
This year, students from Years 8 and 9 participated in the ANZNET Immersion Program, visiting our sister schools in Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. In return, students from
these schools came to Sacré Cœur during Sacred Heart Week, staying with the students they had hosted. They also enjoyed exploring Melbourne over the weekend.
This exchange gave our students a chance to compare their experiences with other schools while developing independence and confidence. Here’s what some of them had to say:
"During my exchange, I made independent decisions and adapted to new cultural norms. The experience has made me more resilient and confident, which I know will help me in the future." — Olivia, Year 9.
"We made lifelong friends at Baradene and had fun exploring places like Sylvia Park and Motukorea Island. We're grateful for this experience and will always cherish the memories."
— Sabrina and Tayla, Year 8
"Traveling abroad has boosted my confidence and will help me in the future. It was an incredible, enriching experience that taught me so much." — Eliza, Year 9.
This Program continues to offer valuable opportunities for personal growth, new friendships and unforgettable memories.
This year, students had the unique opportunity to connect with and learn from peers across the globe. Thanks to our international network of over 150 schools, and advancements in technology, Year 9 students collaborated with students from Taiwan, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Together, they explored each other's schools, cities, cultures and discussed how different communities address social justice issues.
In Year 10, students focused on Indigenous Spirituality as part of their Religious Education Program. Partnering with our sister school in Guadalajara, Mexico, they explored Indigenous Spirituality in both Australia and Mexico. Nearly 200 students participated in virtual group sessions to deepen their understanding and discuss their learnings. These projects show how education is transcending borders, bringing students and teachers together from different parts of the world.
Chilli Rivalland
In 2024, the Sacred Heart focus goal, “A personal and active faith in God,” shaped my role as Sacred Heart Prefect. As part of the Mission Team, alongside our two School Captains, Justice Action Prefect and Liturgy Prefect, I was dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community found a true home at Sacré Cœur.
Our initiative, “Moments with the Mission Team,” created opportunities for individuals in every year level to contribute toward achieving this focus goal. Students were encouraged to participate in a range of activities, from community art projects and year-level prayer services to fundraising campaigns. Through these efforts, we nurtured a community that valued each individual's faith and personal beliefs.
One of the highlights of the year was the annual Sacred Heart Week, a much-anticipated event in the 2024 School calendar. Inspired by our focus goal, the week featured a variety of exciting activities, culminating in the Sacred Heart Day Fête. Supporting Sophie’s Farm, the fête brought students together for a fun-filled day of prizes, competitions and delicious food.
Another significant aspect of fostering the Sacred Heart tradition in 2024 was our participation in several Sacred Heart Exchange Programs.
A fortunate group of Year 9 students had the opportunity to participate in the ANZnet Exchange Program, which links our School with three other Sacred Heart schools in Australia and New Zealand: Baradene, Stuartholme, and KincoppalRose Bay. The Year 9s spent a week in New Zealand, forging connections with their peers that will last beyond their time at school.
Additionally, Year 11 students had the chance to host international students from France, the USA and Japan through the Sacred Heart Exchange Program. The visiting students strengthened our ties with Sacred Heart schools around the world, and their presence was cherished by the entire Sacré Cœur Community.
Our global presence as a Sacred Heart school will continue with the end-of-year Sophie’s Farm Immersion. Four Year 12 students will be making their way to the Philippines, endeavouring to support the Sophie’s Farm community and share the Sacred Heart tradition.
Through these international experiences, I believe that every student in 2024 has deepened their connection to Sacred Heart values and traditions on a global scale.
As the year comes to a close, I would like to extend my congratulations to our 2025 Sacred Heart Prefect, Alyssa Whateley. I know that she is most capable of upholding the spirit of Sacré Cœur and ensuring that every student feels supported in their academic and social development.
I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Oski for his exceptional work as Director of Mission in 2024, the Mission Team for their dedication, and the 23 Sacred Heart representatives from Years 7 to 12, who played a vital role in achieving everything we set out to do this year.
Finally, thank you to the entire Sacré Cœur Community— without each one of you, our School would not be nearly as rich in culture, diversity or connection!
This year the focus goal of "A personal and active faith in God" was central in the Sacred Heart initiatives. The Mission Team, known through our videos as “Moments with the Mission Team” all took this goal on with pride. From the start of the year the “Moments with the mission Team” were a great way to introduce initiatives and provided to be a significant source of entertainment for our School Community.
During Lent, we continued our commitment to social justice with our annual Project Compassion. This initiative allowed us to raise awareness about global issues and support those in need. The funds we raised were directed towards Caritas, which helps uplift vulnerable populations, making our efforts tangible and impactful.
Another notable initiative was our food drive “From our pantry to theirs” where our community filled the ‘secret pantry’ with a range of cans that were donated to Malvern Emergency Food Program. This was followed by the well-loved Sacred Heart Day, which was enhanced this year by the ring toss, a new fan favourite for many.
Being a Justice Action Rep has taught me the importance of community involvement and the power of collective action. Every initiative has not only deepened my understanding of social justice but has also fostered a spirit of compassion and empathy in students. It’s inspiring to witness how a shared commitment to justice can unite individuals, transforming our community into a supportive and proactive environment.
I would like to thank Mr Oski, Ms Straford and Mr Maguire for my guidance and support as a Blue Ribbon and member of the Mission Team through 23-24. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received.
I know the next Justice Action Rep is dedicated and capable, and I am confident that the role is in good hands. Her enthusiasm and commitment to our community excite me to see how she will take our collective initiatives to new heights, introducing her creativity and energy into our projects.
As I leave, I carry with me invaluable lessons about the power of collaboration and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. I look forward to cheering on the new Justice Action Rep and supporting her efforts, knowing that the legacy of our work will continue to make a difference in our Sacré Cœur community.
This year, our Focus Goal was "A personal and active faith in God". As we discussed how to incorporate this goal into our initiatives as a Mission Team, the concept of “Let the Light Shine” was born. This idea, encouraging us to let our own light shine while recognising how God’s light illuminates our lives daily, was something we were incredibly proud to integrate into school life.
As Liturgy Prefect, I had the wonderful opportunity to lead and participate in masses and prayer services throughout the year, encouraging our community to work towards this year’s Focus Goal. I am especially grateful to the previous Liturgy Prefect, Lily Anderson, for her efforts in encouraging more student involvement in whole school masses. Her initiatives were invaluable in promoting a sense of community across the School.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank fellow members of the Mission Team for their support and creativity: Chilli Rivalland (Sacred Heart Prefect), Noushy Cain (Justice Action Prefect), Sophie Roberts and Amelia Ronchi (School Captains). Together, we created our Mission Team Moment videos, which were instrumental in engaging and informing our community of various initiatives throughout the School year. Additionally, I express my gratitude to Mr Oski for his support and guidance during my time as Liturgy Prefect and to all the students who participated in masses and services throughout the year.
As I hand over to the new Liturgy Prefect, Saptha Ginnige, I wish her the best of luck next year and extend my heartfelt congratulations on her well-deserved new position. I am confident that the future is bright in such capable hands.
Finally, after 13 years at Burke Road, I want to express my immense gratitude to Sacré Cœur and the community that I have been so fortunate to have been a part of for such a large portion of my life. From my earliest years at Joigny, I have been incredibly privileged to experience the faith of the sisters of the RSCJ, the support of staff in Joigny, the Senior School and Brynmawr, and the work that goes on behind the scenes to make our School a place where all of our lights shine brightly. I am beyond proud to say that I am a Sacré Cœur girl, and I will be forever grateful for the friends and memories I have made here and the lessons I have learned.
Peter Harrington
This year has been one of significant growth in our learning and teaching practices, aligned with our core values and driven by a future-focused vision. A highlight has been the successful implementation of the Schoolbox Learning Management System, which enriched both student and teacher engagement. This platform not only streamlined communication and tracking but also provided students with a more interactive, collaborative and supportive learning experience.
We have deepened our engagement with the core values of Care, Purpose, Hope, Connection and Excellence, further strengthening our Future Fit Learning and Teaching Model. Through a series of staff workshops, we aligned these values with specific areas of our practice, in accordance with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) standards. These values have formed the bedrock of our learning and teaching practices that foster a compassionate and connected community. Looking ahead, we are excited to involve students and parents in this process through workshops planned for 2025.
The transformational nature of education is deeply rooted in our Sacred Heart philosophy which views learning as an intentional act of discovery. Education, as we understand it, is not just about knowledge acquisition but about nurturing virtues and habits that support a fully human life. This year, our focus goal of a Personal and Active Faith in God underscored this approach. Through our educational practices, we strive to help students develop self-knowledge, energy, and purpose, guiding them to become people of conviction, compassion, and action. In our classrooms, we create spaces where the dignity of every student is honoured and where relationships reveal God’s love.
Our staff development centred on enhancing our understanding of student learning, grounded in evidencebased practices. Teachers have set clear goals and worked towards them with colleagues. This involved explicit professional learning, collaboration, peer observation and self-reflection, all of which are key to our continuous improvement. By fostering a culture of shared learning, we are creating an environment where educators can support one another, observe different approaches, and grow in our collective teaching practice.
We have also embarked on an important exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications in education. While AI presents exciting opportunities to personalise learning and improve efficiency, it also brings challenges that we must navigate thoughtfully. We must ensure that AI supports critical thinking, creativity and ethical awareness in our students. Our engagement with this rapidly evolving technology positions us to lead conversations on how best to integrate AI into the fabric of teaching and learning.
As an all- girls’ school, we continue to embrace the unique benefits of this form of education. The supportive, empowering environment we cultivate allows students
to thrive academically and develop into strong, confident leaders. Additionally, the richness of our diverse learning community strengthens these efforts, offering a wide range of perspectives and experiences that foster empathy, understanding and global awareness.
In terms of curriculum development, work continues on the implementation of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Mathematics that will be fully implemented in 2025, while the remaining subjects are well advanced in the familiarisation phase, ensuring a smooth and effective transition across all learning areas. This approach will enable us to provide a contemporary and rigorous education that equips our students for future success.
We are immensely proud of our outstanding NAPLAN results. Over 85% of students who sat the NAPLAN in 2024 achieved in either the ‘Strong’ or ‘Exceeding’ category across the four domains of Grammar and Punctuation, Numeracy, Reading and Spelling. These outcomes reflect the hard work of our students and the strength of our educational programs.
At the time of writing, our VCE students are preparing for their final examinations. We wish them much success in these. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication throughout the year and look forward to celebrating their future achievements. They have been resilient and committed, and we are confident that they will carry these strengths forward into all their endeavours.
As we prepare for 2025 and beyond, our focus remains on providing an education that is transformative, futurefocused and firmly grounded in the values that define us. We will continue to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the rapidly changing educational landscape, always aiming to guide our students to become thoughtful, compassionate and purposeful individuals.
Callum Parker
2024 was an important year with the launch of our teaching and learning model, the Future-Fit Framework. This framework is particularly relevant to our Joigny students, who will benefit the longest from the deliberate and forward-focused move to utilise the strength of a Sacred Heart education in equipping them for a modern world and workplace.
The foundational values at the heart of our Future-Fit Framework are: Purpose, Excellence, Care, Hope and Connection. These values will be used as anchor points for our planning and implementation of teaching and learning. Staff, students and parents will know and understand these values and how they apply to all learners at Sacré Cœur.
NAPLAN 2024 saw further changes to its testing structure. Students were tested early in Term 1 to provide quicker access to the data on Numeracy and Literacy. This change was particularly challenging for our Year 5 cohort who had only been together for a few weeks prior to testing. Considering the considerable effort required in transitioning to a new school and/or a new peer group, the Year 5s should be very proud of their efforts.
Across the board, our students in Years 3 and 5 outperformed the national and state averages in all testing bands. Unfortunately, due to the changes in the testing data, we cannot measure growth in our Year 3 cohort using the recent data set. However, as we use a range of other tools, including PAT testing, we have comprehensive data sets on all our cohorts that allow us to differentiate teaching and provide activities for all students at their point of need.
This year, an exciting change began in the Years 3-6 Science Curriculum. As part of a four-year rollout, students will be moving from a Newtonian to an Einsteinian approach to Physics. This move is aimed at helping build a modern understanding of the fundamental physics that describes our universe. The units are rich in specific vocabulary that helps support the theories and concepts that students are learning.
Joigny’s shift to this updated approach is in line with the Senior School and, excitingly, we are one of the first primary settings in Victoria to make this update. As the program continues to evolve, each year level (3-6) will develop specific Physics units, including: Exploring Matter, Forces and Light, alongside their existing units focusing on Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science.
Another new initiative this year was the introduction of a specific Digital Technologies class at all levels. This change sees our students engaged in various activities aimed at building skills, developing ethical understandings and positive cyber citizenship. The new Podcasting Studio and 3D printer further enhanced the experiences of our students in this area.
There is always something special going on in Joigny, and this year has been no different. From the Potato Olympic celebrations to Nursery Crimes, students have been engaged, excited and enthralled. There is something for everyone in Joigny, no matter their passion, as we have seen with outstanding Music, Sport, Mathematics, and Literacy performances. During the Prep Assembly in Term 3, it was particularly telling how many mentioned the special events and specialist classes as their favourite parts of the School year (along with long lunch!).
Louise Blamey
When people discover that I work as a Visual Art teacher a common reaction is, “I can’t draw!” It’s often assumed that Art is only about creating “beautiful” pictures and if you’re not naturally good at it, you might as well not try. However, this view overlooks the many important benefits that engaging with Art can offer. The Joigny Art Space offers students a diverse array of media to explore.
The focus on producing a visually stunning outcome can overshadow the emotional and cognitive advantages of Art. Engaging with Visual Arts plays a crucial role in enhancing emotional well-being, fostering creative thinking, and building psychological resilience. These benefits are especially significant for children, as Art can have a profound impact on their development. However, research also shows that interacting with Art can benefit your brain at any age. You don’t need to be a skilled artist or have extensive knowledge about Art to enjoy these benefits. What matters is the engagement itself.
Joigny students have engaged in a wide range of artistic skills and the Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed learning how to silk screen from Artist Rhett Kilner in their recent incursion. All enjoyed their clay workshop with Alumnae and Artist Keely Varmalis earlier in the year. Creativity is not just about having a final goal in mind. It involves self-belief, perseverance through setbacks and a curious mindset. It’s about seeing things differently, connecting unrelated ideas, noticing patterns, constantly experimenting, and always “having a go”. Creativity often involves trial and error, with failure being an important part of the process. Rather than a straight path, the creative journey is often winding and unpredictable.
A highlight of teaching your child is hearing their delighted exclamations, like: “Wow!” when salt crystals absorb into watercolour paints to create twinkling stars, “That’s epic!” as colours blend together, or “This is so amazing!” after peeling a vibrant print from a Geli plate. Student reactions to new things are uplifting and their thirst for knowledge and learning is always inspiring. The final product, sculpture or painting is not the only satisfaction; it is part of sharing the joy of learning and executing a task.
Creativity thrives in open-ended situations. As Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle from Yale's Centre for Emotional Intelligence points out, “If a task poses a question with a specific set of steps required to answer it, [sadly] there is no space for creativity.” Encouraging children to engage with Art in a supportive environment helps them develop essential skills, regardless of their initial talent or expertise. By fostering an appreciation of the creative process, we can all support your child’s emotional and cognitive growth, setting them up for lifelong benefits. I hope you enjoy their artwork later in this book.
Maria LaTorre
The Creative Arts Department at Sacré Cœur continues to be a vibrant and dynamic hub of artistic expression and intellectual exploration. This year, our students have been immersed in a variety of exciting and enriching experiences that have allowed them to explore the full breadth of their creative potential. One of the Learning Area’s core principles is to connect students with the wider world of art and design.
Throughout 2024, our students participated in several excursions that broadened their perspectives and provided valuable insights into the creative industries. Year 7 students embarked on the Indigenous Perspective Program, which helped deepen their understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australian art. Meanwhile, our middle and Senior Students attended excursions to the National Gallery of Victoria, local galleries and museums, enriching their appreciation of both contemporary and classical art.
Design and drawing workshops offered by industry professionals have also played a pivotal role in shaping students' learning. Notably, students participated in a series of hands-on design workshops at the Lyon Housemuseum, collaborating with renowned architect Corbett Lyon. They also worked closely with acclaimed artist Emma Stenhouse and sculptor Kate Butler, gaining valuable experience in the realms of sculpture, design and public art. These experiences have not only enhanced their technical skills but have also fostered a deep appreciation for the interplay between art, design, and architecture.
Our students' creative talents were put on full display at the Festival of Ideas Exhibition, an annual event that showcases the incredible range of creative work produced by students from Year 7 through to Year 11. The exhibition is a celebration of artistic diversity, with works spanning across multiple media, from visual art to design and digital creations. A highlight of the year for our community, and especially the VCE students, was the MAD Exhibition (Media, Art and Design), which featured a stunning array of artworks, including: sculptures, paintings, architectural models, prototypes, photography and film. This exhibition is a significant milestone for our Senior Students, allowing them to demonstrate the skills they have honed throughout their studies. The opening night was graced by a special guest, Professor Gene Bawden from the Monash University School of Design, who was highly impressed by the depth, innovation and variety of the student work. His feedback was a testament to the outstanding calibre of our VCE Creative Arts students.
2024 has proven to be another year of remarkable achievements for the Creative Arts Department. Heidi Korff and Amandi Kariyawasam were recognised with prestigious awards, including the Monash Youth Festival and the Monash Design Award, further highlighting the high level of excellence within our community. These accolades serve as a testament to the dedication, talent and hard work of our students and their teachers. Noelle Manfre was honoured with an award for her outstanding submission to the Sacré Cœur Art Competition. Her work, a self-portrait rendered
in oil, demonstrates exceptional skill, creativity and a deep understanding of the medium.
I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the passionate and dedicated teachers within the Creative Arts Department who inspire, guide and support our students every day. Their commitment to nurturing creativity and pushing the boundaries of artistic and creative expression ensures that our students continue to thrive. Equally, we are deeply grateful to our talented students, whose hard work and passion continually impress and inspire us all.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we remain committed to providing our students with opportunities to grow, experiment and challenge themselves in the Creative Arts. We are proud to witness the remarkable achievements of our students and excited for the future they will help shape.
Melissa Tiffen
This year, Joigny Digi Tech was filled with excitement, creativity and innovative learning experiences. We've embraced new digital tools, including our 3D printer, and even established our very own Joigny Podcast studio. The year has been marked by significant growth in digital literacy across all year levels, with students diving into various aspects of technology, coding and online safety.
Our Junior Students had a fantastic time learning coding with Beebots. They developed essential directional language and coding skills through hands-on activities that made learning both fun and engaging. For our Senior Joigny Students, we took coding to the next level using the Scratch app. They were able to design and develop their own games and quizzes, incorporating special effects like sounds and scoring systems, which allowed them to showcase their problemsolving ability and creativity.
Year 5 students honed their podcasting skills, learning about the intricacies of jingles, advertising, and public speaking. They had the opportunity to use our podcast equipment and studio to create their own podcasts, applying their newfound knowledge in a real-world context. This experience not only enhanced their technical skills but also boosted their confidence in communication and content creation.
Our Year 6 students delved into 3D modelling with the Tinkercad Program. They designed and created their own 3D gaming characters, which were then brought to life through 3D printing. This hands-on project allowed them to explore the intersection of design, technology and creativity, culminating in a tangible outcome.
Online safety has been a central theme throughout the year, with all year levels exploring critical topics such as cyberbullying, digital footprints, plagiarism, strong passwords
and responsible online communication. These lessons have equipped our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, an essential aspect of their digital education.
In addition to our regular Digi Tech lessons, we offered Robotics and STEM Club at lunchtime. These clubs provided students with opportunities to further develop their digital skills through working with Dash robots, Lego robotics and podcasting. These co-curricular activities have been a hit, allowing students to extend their learning in a fun and collaborative environment.
A group of Year 5 and 6 students also had the exciting opportunity to participate in The FUSE Cup held at Haileybury College. The FUSE Cup is an international school esports competition that focuses on providing young students with a safe, inclusive and supportive environment to participate in structured esports while promoting positive gaming behaviours and digital wellbeing.
Overall, this year Joigny Digi Tech has been a brilliant journey of exploration, creation and design. Our students have not only developed their digital skills but have also gained valuable insights into the responsible use of technology, setting them up for future success in our increasingly digital world.
Kate Dillon
It has been another very busy year in the Drama Department with many exciting performance experiences in the Drama Studio and opportunities for students to be immersed in the world of theatre outside of Sacré Cœur.
VCE Theatre Studies Units 2&3 Production — Witch 'Witch' was presented in May by the VCE Theatre Studies
Units 2 and 3 students to full houses. The production was a compilation of scenes from different plays, plus original material written by Dr Gavelis, on the theme of the victimisation of women as witches throughout history. The diverse theatrical styles showcased the students’ prowess in acting a broad range of characters and conventions. The set design, costume and props were delightfully imagined and brought to life by the students through months of invigorating, rigorous and joyful researching, experimenting, designing and rehearsing. The student ensemble is congratulated on the very high level of imagination, artistry and commitment shown in this unique and thought-provoking production.
Additionally, two Year 9 Page to Stage classes were involved, for the ninth year in a row, to be a part of 'The Suitcase Series' - a youth Theatre festival that promotes climate awareness. Guided by Dr Gavelis, Ms Dillon and Ms Franzoni, the Year 9 classes researched, devised, wrote, choreographed and performed two very original short plays. Their unique presentation was especially well received at the Malthouse Theatre on 1 November.
The Year 8 Drama classes completed their semesters in Drama with an interpretation of a Chinese Folk Tale in the style of Beijing Opera. They particularly enjoyed being able to use the set from the VCE Witch play and after adding costumes, ribbons and coloured material, their performances were simply stunning.
There have always been wonderful opportunities for students studying Drama to see incredible theatre performances but a real highlight of Semester 2 was the Year 9, 10 and 11 excursion to see 'Six' at the Comedy Theatre. This contemporary musical was based on the six wives of Henry the Eighth.
The VCE Theatre Studies class were also delighted to see 'A Streetcar named Desire' and 'Wicked' was part of their course. Students analysed the set, costumes, lighting, direction and acting performances, providing them with inspiration and understanding for their own future theatrical works.
2024 saw a record number of Year 7 to 12 students involved in the Sacré Cœur Theatre Sports Challenge! Students participated in improvisation training with Dr Gavelis, developing their acting prowess and honing their creative and cognitive skills. These highly enjoyable training sessions were filled with imagination, spontaneity, wit, laughter, and importantly, great teamwork and camaraderie. The grand finale, the Theatre Sports Performance Night, was a delightful, fun-filled event that saw the actors present numerous improvised scenes with great courage, conviction and creativity to an enthusiastic audience.
Sarah Gilmour, Drama Prefect
The Tempest — Year 10 Play with St Kevin’s
The year kicked off with the Shakespearean classic, 'The Tempest' which was performed to rave reviews at St Kevin’s. It was staged at the Ruby Tout Theatre in March and was a huge hit with audiences. The cast did sensationally well in this very engaging, ensemble play. Thank you to the staff from St Kevin's, the families who supported the cast and to the staff who supervised rehearsals and performance nights.
The Senior School Play — The Insect Play with St Kevin’s
The Senior School performed 'The Insect Play', an absurdist drama. Rehearsals took place at St Kevin’s from the beginning of Term 1. The play, which involved six of our Year 11 and 12 students, was expertly directed by the new St Kevin’s Head of Drama, Goran Banyai. It was wonderful to see such a complex and challenging work being tackled so expertly by our VCE students.
The Lorax — Junior Production
In the second week of Term 4, the long-awaited Junior Production was performed in the Drama Studio on 16, 17 and 18 October. This interpretation by the Storymakers Theatre was a 40 minute play based on the Dr Seuss classic about the perils of deforestation and corporate greed. This production involved 32 students from Sacré Cœur and De La Salle from Years 7 and 8 and was sold out to close family and friends of the cast.
2025 LOOKING AHEAD:
• Year 7 Improvisation Club – run by Dr Gavelis –lunchtimes, 2025
• Year 10 play with St Kevin’s – 'Two weeks with the Queen', 2025
• Senior School Play with St Kevin’s – 'Away', 2025
• Year 8—11 Musical, 'Mamma Mia' with Xavier –Term 3, 2025
Kathryn Shields
In Joigny, we recognise that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but always about nurturing a love for learning. Throughout the year our students acquire, rehearse and apply new knowledge and skills that will help them grow as readers, viewers, writers and speakers. In doing so, they discover the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of using the functions of language, quality literature and literacy skills to make authentic connections within and beyond the classroom.
We always have much to celebrate and 2024 was no exception.
We celebrated students who at times did not find learning easy but persisted and responded to support and guidance with positivity and courage. We acknowledged students who have entered various poetry competitions this year; your poems delighted all who read them.
We commend all students who entered the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee and other ‘in class’ quizzes, willing to challenge themselves to stretch their thinking. We particularly congratulate our Year 3 student, Keira Tolentino who rose to become the Spelling Bee School Champion.
This year, we dressed up and brought the community together to celebrate Book Week with a parade and shared activities and performances on the theme: Reading is Magic.
Indeed, literacy learning in Joigny has felt a lot like magic. It was about the collective hard work and commitment of students, the Joigny team and families (The Learning Partnership). We saw the magic everywhere.
A story igniting the imagination of a young reader: That’s magic.
Students turning writer's words into mind pictures. Visual images of wonderful places and characters: That’s magic.
A book that took the student on a journey of discovery with which they truly connected: That’s magic.
Magic is when an early writer learns that sounds can be written in graphic form and once put together, make words that deliver important messages.
Magic is when the ideas created and written down by someone are understood and appreciated by an audience.
Magic is when we, the teachers in Joigny, witness our students taking risks with their learning by exploring new contexts and reasons to write and we get to witness those perfect ‘Aha’ moments…
Another year, like blossoms bloom The ideas flow, compete for room
A writer's words leave us in awe Children’s minds, an endless store
Perpetual pages, words can dance Thoughts like magic, can entrance Days are full, synapses spark As always, learning leaves its mark
English classrooms at Sacré Cœur in 2024 were characterised by rigorous discussion and considered questioning. Exploring a range of texts, from the film The Hate U Give to the Shakespearean classic Macbeth, students examined diverse perspectives. Across the Senior School, teachers led students to greater understanding of the way that the context of a text – whether that be war-torn Athens in 5th century BCE or modern America grappling with police brutality – both shapes the text and informs our understanding of it.
In Years 7 and 8, a number of students took part in Read to Write, Sacré Cœur’s English Extension Program. Over the course of the year, in small groups, students explored a range of genres, shared book recommendations, and wrote creative pieces to enter into writing competitions. Congratulations to two of our students who won the Stonnington Libraries ‘What's Your Story?’ Writing competition: Rebecca (Year 7) won the 9-12 years category for her piece ‘Fear’, and Celeste (Year 8) was the winner for the 13-17 years category with her piece ‘Clockwork’.
At all year levels, students continually demonstrated drive to improve their writing skills. The Year 12 cohort effectively built on their previous years of learning by approaching their studies with determination, positivity and a genuine enthusiasm for meaningful collaboration with one another. In doing so, they consistently demonstrated an understanding of the importance of supporting and lifting one another up. The examination of Protest, a new element of the English Study Design, required students to produce their own original text; this unit was embraced by both students and teachers. During this Area of Study, the Year 12s researched key protest figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Brittany Higgins and Zelda D’Aprano, carefully considering their motivations and impact. Historical and recent protests, including Extinction Rebellion,
the British suffragette movement and the Freedom Ride were also examined. As teachers, we were continually impressed by the Year 12s’ willingness to grapple with the moral and philosophical implications of these protests, along with their ability to engage with marginalised perspectives.
Beyond writing, students across all year levels put forward their ideas and arguments in class discussions and engaging oral presentations. In Year 7, students collaborated in groups to create a marketing campaign for their allocated novel, resulting in highly engaging book trailers and press releases which were then shared with the class. The Year 8s laid out strong cases in their oral presentation ‘Save this Book’, arguing why, in the case of disaster, their selected book should be saved above all others, while Years 11 and 12 students crafted highly persuasive arguments on social issues. Ashleigh and Leila, delivering their presentations in a Senior School assembly, exemplified the outstanding performance skills and powerful reasoning demonstrated by our VCE students.
As an English Faculty, it is invigorating to see the willingness of students to embrace a range of perspectives in the classroom. We hope that the enthusiasm for exploring diverse literature over the summer holidays will continue to nurture vibrant class discussions in 2025.
Tim Swanton
Sport and Physical Education play a crucial role in the development of all students at Sacré Cœur, especially at Joigny. We take pride in offering diverse experiences and opportunities for our students within a nurturing and supportive environment.
The year kicked off in its usual busy fashion with the Year 3-6 House Swimming Carnival at Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre. The day featured a mix of competitive and novelty events. While Duchesne House emerged as the overall winner, all students left with a strong sense of accomplishment from their participation. Well done to everyone involved!
The Prep to Year 2 students began their 2024 carnivals with the House Cross Country. Athletes navigated a challenging course around the School, proudly representing their Houses. As the year progressed, additional House events such as Aerobics, Skipping and Athletics gave our younger students the chance to showcase their athletic talents.
After weeks of early morning training, the Year 3 to Year 6 House Cross Country event took place at Central Park. On a beautiful autumn day, students competed in a variety of races, with Duchesne House dominating and taking home the trophy. A select group of athletes advanced to represent the School at the Armadale District event at Kooyong Park.
As the Athletics season continued, the Year 3 to Year 6 students participated in the House Athletics competition at Bill Sewart Reserve. The day was filled with tremendous House spirit, with peers supporting each competitor. A highlight of the event, the Joigny Gift, was won by Harper Murphy with a fantastic time—congratulations Harper! Stuart House claimed the overall top honours, and after weeks of dedicated training, several Joigny students went on to compete at the Armadale District Athletics Carnival. Special congratulations to Gisele L (Triple Jump & 100m), Kristen S (Discus), Leona X (Triple Jump), and Jemima F (Shot Put), who all qualified for the Beachside Division Championships. A notable achievement was Gisele advancing to the Southern Metro Track and Field Championships after winning the Division event with a record jump. Well done to all students who represented Sacré Cœur in track and field this year.
House Aerobics was undoubtedly a highlight of the year. After weeks of preparation, students wowed the crowd with their aerobics skills. The precision and coordination were exceptional, making it a tough competition to judge. Stuart House claimed victory in a tightly contested event—congratulations to all participants for their outstanding performances!
A partly wet and windy afternoon greeted participants in the Joigny House Skipping Competition. Students engaged in various skipping activities, including speed skip, pairs skip, artistic skip, skipping relay and long rope skip. A large crowd of supporters witnessed impressive performances from students across all year levels. Congratulations to Barat house for taking top honours on the day.
In addition to these events, our Year 5 and 6 students participated in House tournaments for Basketball, Dodgeball and Netball. The House spirit during these competitions was remarkable, making for exciting and competitive events.
Our Senior Joigny students also had the opportunity to participate in various district sports throughout 2024, including Netball, Soccer, Basketball, Diving, Tennis and Aussie Rules. Their skill development and progress were evident throughout training and competition, with all teams representing our School admirably.
Several Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed competing in the Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) Track and Field and Swimming Carnivals. These events allowed our athletes to compete against schools across GSV, showcasing their talents on a broader stage.
A number of Joigny students also earned representative honours at both state and national levels throughout the year. Their dedication and hard work have paid off, and we are extremely proud of their achievements. We look forward to following their future sporting journeys. Congratulations to the following students:
• Ella Zanlunghi: Lacrosse and Diving
• Alyssa Yeung: Table Tennis
• Mia Yao: Fencing
• Lizzie Holzoder: Diving
• Grace Marshall: SnowSports
While House and District sports took centre stage, Physical Education classes continued to provide every student with the opportunity to develop their fundamental motor skills and a love for physical activity. Each year level enjoyed an exciting and challenging program tailored to their specific needs.
Tom Fisher
In 2024, our Health and Physical Education Department focused on students enhancing their own and others’ health, safety, wellbeing and physical activity participation in varied and changing contexts. Research in Sociology, Physiology, Nutrition, Biomechanics and Psychology informs what we understand about healthy, safe and active choices. Health and Physical Education in years 7-10 at Sacré Cœur offers students an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging, enjoyable and physically active.
Below are this year’s highlights within the HPE Learning Area
• VCE Unit 3&4 Physical Education visited the AFL Collingwood Magpies to complete a movement analysis and view a high intensity training session.
• VCE Unit 3&4 Health and Human Development and Physical Education classes attended important practical incursions led by Sport Scientists and Health industry experts to deepen their understanding of specific topics within their respective Study Designs.
• Year 10 HPE explored a wide range of community-based physical activities that promote healthy, active lifestyles, including: Tennis, Golf, Self-defence, Pilates, HIIT, Lawn bowls, Cheer-leading, Dance, Boxing and Aquatics.
• Year 7-9 HPE classes used movement as a powerful medium for learning by developing movement skills and strategies across a diverse learning program, including: Aerobics, Athletics, court sports, Dance, fitness, kicking sports and fielding and striking games. In our health classes, students used critical inquiry skills to explore health issues that impact young people, including: nutrition, mental health and wellbeing, vaping and smoking, puberty, sexuality, respectful relationships, consent and safe partying.
• Building upon the success of Year 9 Notre Monde Electives in 2023, this year saw students engage in four HPE run electives.
• The Movement and Strength class explored different training methods, completing both a practical and theoretical component each lesson which utilised our fitness gym and equipment.
• The Sports Leadership class undertook an official four-week AFL Schools Umpiring Course, focusing on the different skills required for goal, field, boundary and match play umpiring.
• The Women’s Health class worked to address and reduce the stigma surrounding a current health issue - Period Poverty - and explored different ways young people can make a difference by tackling this within our local community.
• The Come Dine with Me class learnt about FareShare Kitchen’s work in addressing food waste and hunger in Australia by rescuing surplus food and using it to cook free, nutritious meals for people in need. A highlight of this elective involved working in a commercial kitchen.
• Sacré Cœur’s HPE Week, an event that involved a range of fun activities such as Barrier Ball, Just Dances, Free-Throw Challenge, The Longest Kick and Olympics Themed Trivia.
Finally, the 2024 Paris Olympics provided an inspiring backdrop for our young women to see firsthand the rewards of dedication, discipline and perseverance in sport, motivating them to embrace physical activity as part of their lifelong personal development. This connection between global sporting events and local educational values will foster a generation of girls ready to excel both academically and athletically.
Emily Cedro
"The humanities are the foundation of a well-rounded education, providing students with the tools to understand the world and their place in it." This quote of Professor of Humanities Stephen Greenblatt from Harvard University perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind the Humanities faculty at Sacré Cœur.
The most important thing we can do as educators is to offer a unique and enriching educational experience that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. By delivering a diverse curriculum, experiential learning and experiences outside of the classroom, we aim to develop critical thinking, communication, empathy, creativity and cultural awareness so our students are equipped to become informed, engaged and compassionate individuals.
This year has been particularly exciting, with several notable achievements. Four of our Year 9 students were selected to participate in the prestigious sheCommerce program at the University of Melbourne. This program empowers young women to explore commerce as a career path through hands-on workshops and interactive experiences. Students enter the program from Year 9 and will be offered activities and enrichment opportunities for the remainder of their schooling years.
Two of the students involved shared their experiences of the sheCommerce program:
‘My favourite part of this program was the session based around marketing. This session gave us an insight into the reality of advertising and the challenges and tactics businesses use to grow their company. I am so grateful and excited to be a part of this program filled with a wonderful cohort of girls and I look forward to the years to come.’ - Alexandra Dimos-Foundas
‘Marketing. Economics. Business. The sheCommerce program intrigued me due to its dynamic nature and the impact on society and economy. My passions in this area are entrepreneurship, business leadership and commerce as they present endless opportunities for innovation and growth. This opportunity gave me a wonderful insight into uni life and prepared me for the future.’ - Jiah Singh
A cornerstone of the Humanities curriculum is the experiential learning offered by the Notre Monde electives. Currently, the three electives provide students with an innovative learning experience.
• Money Matters: Sacré Cœur's compulsory Year 9 subject addresses financial literacy gaps, particularly among girls. It covers topics like: tax, superannuation, interest and savings. Students explore gender wage gaps and investing. A masterclass on financial abuse emphasises economic safety, aiming to empower financially independent young women.
• Thinking Economically: based on behavioural economics, this elective explores factors influencing consumer choices through experiments showing rational and irrational decisions. Students apply concepts to real-world scenarios, culminating in a Fun Theory group project. They design fun solutions to address undesirable
school behaviours, like encouraging stair use or punctuality through creative reward systems.
• Yes, Your Honour: the law elective explores the Victorian criminal justice system, covering types of crime, defences to murder and roles of courtroom personnel. Students analyse cases and engage in a mock murder trial, role-playing before a jury. This immersive experience develops advocacy, problem-solving skills and appreciation for legal processes.
Students attended excursions to enhance their learning in the classroom. The whole Year 7 Level was privileged to see the Melbourne Winters Masterpieces: Pharaoh at the NGV in July. This landmark exhibition celebrates three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture through more than 500 objects. What a magnificent way to bring the classroom learning of Egyptian history to ‘life’ in this cohesive and meaningful experience.
The Year 11 Politics class visited the office of the Member for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, for an opportunity to speak with their local member. Students have studied the key principles of Australian democracy and the extent to which Australia has a democratic culture. The opportunity for students to ask questions of a member of the current federal government proved invaluable, as students asked about compulsory voting, parliamentary committees, government accountability and the upcoming US election.
Now in its second year, the Year 8 interdisciplinary project, ‘Design The Future’, focuses on sustainable urban spaces. Based on the cross-curriculum priority of Sustainability in the Victorian Curriculum, ‘Design The Future’ is a futures-oriented term-long project that promotes the idea of an ecologically and socially just world. In the Humanities part of the project, students work individually and in groups to explore the big question: Can Melbourne design its urban areas now, without making things worse for the future?. They investigate the current housing affordability and supply issues, predicted population growth and the need to preserve the liveable features of Melbourne for present and future generations.
Siobhán McGee
Our 2024 French and Japanese Journey:
This year has been rich with cultural activities, linguistic progress, and meaningful experiences that have enhanced both language skills and cross-cultural understanding for our students and teachers alike.
For both teachers and students, 2024 has brought its challenges, but our learners have risen to meet them. Language acquisition requires dedication, perseverance and the willingness to make mistakes along the way. In this spirit, our students have not only advanced their language proficiency but have also gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural contexts that shape language.
In the French program, students continued to develop their skills, from beginners mastering essential vocabulary and sentence structures to Senior Students engaging with complex French texts and film. Year 11 and 12 students enjoyed the annual Alliance Française Film Excursion, followed by a lunch where they practised their conversational skills. Year 10 students had a memorable day at the National Gallery of Victoria Excursion, engaging with French Impressionist art before indulging in a French-themed lunch. Year 9 participated in the Melbourne in French: A Day of Linguistic Immersion, followed by a shared meal, which allowed them to practise their language skills in a realworld setting.
Year 12 students took their French studies to another level through specialised workshops, such as the Atelier Fromage et Pâtisserie and the Atelier Oral, which prepared them for their final oral examination. Meanwhile, younger students were involved in cultural celebrations with Bastille Day and Francophonie competitions, where Year 7 and 8 students produced creative videos. All year levels enjoyed the French Olympics Activity Day, an energetic celebration of French culture and language through fun challenges, and the Trivia Night for Years 9 and 10 was, once again, a fantastic success. One of the year's highlights was the Crêpes for Change fundraiser, where students not only savoured delicious crêpes but enjoyed a surprise appearance by Mario and his accordion, adding a playful twist to the day.
Our Japanese program has also flourished in 2024. One of the highlights for Year 7 and 8 students was the Taiko Drumming Incursion, which brought traditional Japanese rhythms to life. Another cultural highlight was the Japanese Traditional Dance Workshop for Year 8, which allowed students to connect with the elegance of Japanese performing arts.
An ongoing success in the Japanese program has been the Letter Exchange Program with Tokyo Sacred Heart School, where students in Years 8 to 11 have been building meaningful connections with their Japanese counterparts. This year, we were delighted to welcome students from Tokyo Sacred Heart School for a school visit, during which our students had the opportunity to give a school tour and participate in a language exchange activity with our VCE students. The visit culminated in a shared lunch, providing a relaxed environment for cultural exchange.
To conclude last year, 21 of our students from Years 8 to 11, along with four teachers, embarked on an unforgettable Japanese Immersion Study Tour from December 6th to 19th. The group visited iconic destinations such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, and participated in a homestay at Sacred Heart School in Tokyo, which was a transformative experience.
The Role of Technology
2024 has also marked another year of growth in the use of technology to enhance language learning. Digital tools allowed students to expand their horizons, offering virtual experiences like tours of Paris and Tokyo and giving access to online language exchanges with native speakers. The French Club through its Pen Pals from Orléans and the online sessions with Japanese students added an extra layer of engagement to the traditional classroom experience. This technologically enhanced environment has helped both French and Japanese students make language learning more dynamic and interactive.
A Celebration of Culture
Language learning is far more than just learning vocabulary and grammar; it is about immersing oneself in the cultural, social, and historical context of the language. In 2024, our French and Japanese programs brought culture to the forefront in fun and meaningful ways.
The Bastille Day and Francophonie celebrations in French brought students into contact with French history and traditions, while the Taiko Drumming and Traditional Dance Workshops in Japanese allowed students to experience cultural practices firsthand. The Sacred Heart School Tokyo visit was particularly enriching, providing an opportunity for students to practise language skills while building friendships and deepening their understanding of Japanese culture.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with pride at the progress and passion shown by our language students and teachers. Whether it was through immersive excursions, cross-cultural exchanges, or celebrating together in events such as the French Olympics or the Japanese Study Tour, the experiences have not only strengthened language skills but built connections that will last well beyond the School year.
Looking to the future, we are excited to continue expanding these opportunities. Our goal for 2025 is to deepen student engagement with even more immersive activities and cultural partnerships. We extend our appreciation to the students for their interest in and dedication to language learning, and to the staff in the Languages Learning team, whose creativity and energy bring the joy of language learning to life!
Brigit Keel
This year, French language learning thrived across all Year Levels in Joigny. Students were fully immersed in French through classroom activities, performances and plays. The excitement around the 2024 Olympics, hosted in Paris, added extra enthusiasm for French. Many Olympic events were held at famous landmarks in Paris, sparking students’ curiosity about French history and culture.
We were also fortunate to welcome students from our sister schools in France. They shared insights into the differences and similarities between our Schools in Australia and helped our students, from Prep to Year 6, with their French plays and projects. Together, they created posters about famous monuments and Olympic events, making the learning experience even more engaging.
We are lucky to be part of a global Sacred Heart Schools network, which offers our students authentic opportunities to practise French. We look forward to continuing these relationships through our Pen Pal Program and the Secondary School Immersion Program.
"This year, I have improved my French by expanding my vocabulary and taking on new challenges. I have learnt so much and cannot wait to study even more about the French language and culture." — Eugenia Chieng
"2024 has been a great year for my French learning. I have built on skills from last year and I have been introduced to many new concepts. I always look forward to my French lessons each week." — Otelia Laffy
"In French this year, I learnt more about the French schooling systems, including stationery and subjects. We also learnt about numbers, days of the week and colours in greater depth. This year, I enjoyed learning about school life in France from the exchange students and found the differences between French and Australian schools interesting. I also absolutely loved the free crêpes we got in Term 3, as they were delicious." — Amy Nasser
"I have thoroughly enjoyed French this year as it explores units which will be useful for students wanting to do it for VCE. All units have been engaging and relatively easy to follow, with new vocabulary and a broader view of French as a subject. The unit that we are doing now, which is images and painting descriptions, has been highly interesting and fun. We enjoyed many activities describing famous Impressionist paintings and learning the history of Impressionism." — Nayeli Vithanage
"I really enjoyed the excursion to the NGV, as it allowed me to step out of the classroom and learn a lot about Impressionist art. This activity helped me expand both my knowledge and vocabulary. It was insightful and a lot of fun, especially as we learned about the typical foods that French people eat for breakfast. I also thoroughly enjoyed lunch at Laurent Pâtisserie, where we savoured French cuisine and practised our language skills with the cashier. Overall, the excursion was a fantastic experience, and I hope we can have more opportunities like this in the future." — Izzy Luo
"This year I have really enjoyed Japanese because it has been challenging but also really fun. I learnt lots about hobbies and pets this year. My highlight was when the students from the Tokyo Sacred Heart School visited us and we got the opportunity to engage in a lesson with them where they taught us their cultural dancing and we joined in. The tests and orals have been quite challenging but, overall, I have learnt much this year and it has been really fulfilling". — Tilly Ffrench
"I really enjoyed my first year of learning Japanese. I loved the taiko drum incursion, it was fun and we got to experience Japanese culture. I also loved doing the cooking project, making Japanese food and tasting it; it was very delicious. I have learnt lots of things in Japanese like classroom instructions, basic greetings, numbers and how to introduce yourself. Some challenges that I faced were gathering all of my hiragana practice cards together, but I overcame that by making a new set over the holidays and keeping it where I won’t lose it again. My future hopes are that I can learn more about Japanese culture, different Japanese religions and how to write more in kanji. Japanese has been wonderful." — Harveena Sequeira
"Overall, Japanese has been an amazing subject. I loved participating in the various activities such as the Japanese
drumming incursion and the Japanese student incursion where we learnt about the students and their life in Japan. I did not have many struggles in learning and writing hiragana, even though there were some tricky characters. I especially loved writing the characters, learning the classroom commands, greetings, and saying and asking where you live. I loved seeing all the culture and ways the Japanese people live. I also found it interesting learning about their shops, the variety of celebrations and gifts they give. I have really loved this experience so far." — Alison Kubik
"Konnichiwa! So far, my Japanese classes have been a wonderful learning experience. I enjoyed learning about the culture and food. I am so proud of how far I’ve come in terms of the language, and think that the Year 6 me would have been definitely impressed by how fluently I can introduce myself. Every class I learnt something new and the activities encouraged me to learn beyond what was required (to the point that I knew all the hiragana before the term started). Japanese has been pretty easy for me as some kanji are the same as Chinese characters. I remember all 46 hiragana by heart." — Olivia Zeng
Jenny Di Paolo
At the heart of Joigny Learning Enhancement is explicit instruction, serving as one of our guiding principles empowering each student in their pursuit of personal excellence.
In 2024, Learning Enhancement students received individualised support through targeted learning experiences and collaborative efforts that offered diverse, engaging opportunities focused on their strengths, abilities and knowledge. The Learning Enhancement team's strengthbased approach aimed to harness students' inherent abilities to promote their growth and confidence. The Learning Enhancement team (Harriet Brown, Kelly Fay, Skye McEwen and Iris Zhao) collaborated with students and teachers to identify and cultivate each student's unique strengths, interests and learning profiles.
In-class and small group support sessions were explicitly designed to align with individual students' learning goals. These sessions followed the principles of explicit instruction: identifying specific objectives, breaking information into manageable chunks, modelling with clear explanations, verbalising the thinking process and providing opportunities for student practice. Additionally, direct instruction lightened the ‘cognitive load’, or how much brain resources a student needed to process information.
During support sessions, a range of strategies was adopted to build and strengthen teacher-student relationships and effective teaching practices. These included: keeping instructions simple, using the right type of visual aids, creating predictable and structured classroom environments and teaching and modelling organisational habits.
Evidence-based programs, including the MiniLit (SAGE) and Macquarie Literacy Intervention programs provided targeted students with intensified instruction. For those seeking further challenges, Extension and Enrichment classes were available. Students were encouraged to embrace creativity and think both fluidly and flexibly. They were tasked with applying their critical and creative thinking skills to address significant global issues, including climate change and sustainable living, equipping them with the vision, tools and skills needed to design and advocate for a positive global future. Extension and Enrichment students in Years 3 and 4, Reneisha Patridar, Keira Tolentino, Mia Hsu, Zoey Li, Abigail Nott and Abigail Ta, are commended for their participation in the 2024 Science Talent Search Competition ‘Species Survival More Than Just Sustainability’. This year’s competition stimulated ongoing interest in the study of science by encouraging project work and the sharing of student investigations.
Leonie McLinden
Celebrating Student Strengths in the Classroom: A Pathway to Empowerment and Success.
Earlier this year, Neurodiversity Week brought the School Community together to celebrate each student’s individual strengths. In today's diverse and dynamic classrooms, celebrating students' strengths is not just an educational strategy—it's a powerful tool for fostering growth, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. When teachers recognize and celebrate the unique abilities of each student, they create an environment where all feel valued and motivated to excel. When we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of each of our student’s unique strengths and challenges.
The Victorian Curriculum includes a focus on Personal and Social Capability, which encourages teachers to recognize and develop students' personal strengths. Schools are encouraged to create learning environments where students' individual strengths are celebrated as a vehicle for improved student motivation and achievement.
Many schools in Victoria, including Sacrè Cœur, have adopted aspects of Positive Education, which integrates wellbeing and academic learning. This approach is grounded in the principles of Positive Psychology, particularly the work of Professor Lea Waters from the University of Melbourne. Her research in the field of strength-based education shows that focusing on students' strengths leads to greater wellbeing, academic improvement and increased resilience. Schools implementing Positive Education report higher levels of student engagement, improved academic outcomes and a more positive school culture.
Teachers in secondary schools play a vital role in identifying and promoting students’ strengths by creating a supportive and inclusive environment that recognizes the unique abilities of each student. Through careful observation, personalized learning opportunities, positive reinforcement and collaboration, teachers can help students build on their strengths, leading to increased confidence, engagement and academic success. By guiding students to understand and develop their strengths, teachers prepare students for lifelong learning and future success.
More specifically, Neurodiversity Week provided a dedicated time for our School to recognize and celebrate its neurodiverse community. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome and other differences. The week aimed to raise awareness about neurodiversity, promoting identification of strengths, understanding and acceptance, whilst also challenging stereotypes and misconceptions.
Celebrating students' strengths is essential for creating an empowering and supportive classroom environment. As research shows, this approach leads to higher engagement, better academic outcomes and a more inclusive learning environment. In a world that increasingly values collaboration and innovation, celebrating students’ strengths and uniqueness is more important than ever.
“I wouldn't be a songwriter if it wasn't for books that I loved as a kid. I think that when you can escape into a book it trains your imagination to think big and to think that more can exist than what you see." ― Taylor Swift
The Mary Arthur Library, located in the Sophie Centre, is an ideal setting for collaboration and study. This flexible space caters to the diverse needs of our students.
We began our year with Taylor Swift books flying off the shelf.
Our Connect Us activity, making bracelets, was a fantastic way to foster friendships and community.
The After-School Tutoring Program continued to be extremely popular across Years 7 -12. As in the past, Senior Students received support from teaching staff and Sacré Cœur Alumnae.
Throughout the year, Senior Students engaged in Wide Reading classes. Giving them dedicated time to explore a variety of books, share recommendations and engage in discussions helped to deepen their love for reading and encouraged independent learning. The opportunity to discover new books and genres—whether through peer recommendations or teacher guidance—can be incredibly valuable in fostering a lifelong habit of reading.
Book Week is traditionally a celebration of Australian literature. This year’s theme “Reading is Magic” was perfect for sparking creativity and imagination. The Book Character Parade sprinkled a little magic throughout the Junior School. It was a fantastic way for students to express their love of literature by dressing up as their favourite characters. Teachers also joined in the fun. Seeing characters from classic tales, contemporary novels and even lesser-known works made for a colourful and imaginative parade.
Stories came to life, adding an extra layer of excitement to Book Week.
A performance for Prep to Year 3 students, featuring the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted books, was both entertaining and educational. It was a wonderful way to introduce younger students to quality literature and create an immersive experience that brought the stories and characters to life.
Year 4-6 students were entertained by Raymond J. Bartholomeuz, a poet and fictional comic character performed by Australian writer and comedian Brian Nankervis. His performance was not only entertaining but also a fun and engaging way to explore poetry. Students discovered that poetry does not always have to be serious or formal but can also be playful, expressive and full of fun.
Knitting during Lunchtimes was a terrific way to combine creativity, community spirit and a sense of giving back. Both staff and Senior Students got involved, sharing their skills with others, making scarves for those less fortunate.
Once again, Year 6 students had embraced The Reader’s Cup. This was a wonderful way to challenge and motivate them to read widely, not just for enjoyment but also with a sense of purpose. Thoughtful responses and preparing for quiz questions encouraged deep engagement with books.
A library is not just about books; it is about fostering an environment where students feel comfortable, safe and are inspired to explore innovative ideas.
Andrea Eynon
2024 has again been a year of growth and opportunities for Numeracy learning in Joigny. Our teachers have worked hard, striving to make learning opportunities as diverse, rich and challenging as possible. Learning has happened in many varied contexts and was supported by a wide range of manipulative materials.
This year our Years 3-6 teaching team explored the Building Thinking Classrooms model as a means of promoting deeper thinking and engagement in learning. Our goal was to help students move beyond memorization and the following of algorithmic procedures toward working collaboratively as they understood and applied mathematical concepts.
Teachers created dynamic learning environments that encouraged active problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking. In the ‘thinking classroom’ students could be found working together in small groups, brainstorming, testing solutions and challenging each other’s ideas. By making Maths interactive and engaging, we saw increased enthusiasm and participation across the classes.
During Term 3 we invited our Prep to Year 2 parents to engage with the Numeracy curriculum through interactive workshops. These sessions gave parents practical strategies to support their children’s mathematical learning at home and the opportunity to work with their daughters in the classrooms.
Another exciting initiative in our Prep to Year 2 classes this year was the introduction of the Take-Home Maths Bags. These bags encouraged families to explore maths at home and we are delighted with the range of activities that
sparked deeper conversations about numbers, shopping, measurement and many other aspects of numeracy at home.
Once again in 2024, we have had large numbers of students from Years 3 to 6 participate in a range of external competitions and programs such as:
• Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition
• Australian Maths Competition
• Maths Explorer
• Maths Challenge for Young Australians - Challenge Stage
• Maths Challenge for Young AustraliansEnrichment Stage
• Maths Olympiad Program
Congratulations to all students who actively engaged in these experiences and challenged themselves as learners.
Chess Club has continued to be offered as a lunchtime activity. Tutors have taught beginners many new strategies and challenged some of our more experienced players to "up their game".
Thank you to the dedicated teaching staff who supported Mathematical learning in Joigny this year and to the students for their continued active and enthusiastic participation.
Elliot Tench
Mathematics at Sacré Cœur: Embracing Thinking and Growth.
This year has been one of innovation and collaboration for our Mathematics Faculty as we embarked on a journey to transform our classrooms into vibrant thinking spaces. Inspired by Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom approach, we investigated and trialled new lesson starters designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. Several teachers even experimented with teaching entire units using whiteboards to promote active learning and student engagement. Special acknowledgement goes to Andrea Eynon and Lucinda Williams, who travelled to Canberra to meet Peter Liljedahl and learn firsthand how to implement his strategies effectively.
One of our core focuses this year was to emphasise that Mathematics is about learning, not performing. By creating a supportive environment that encourages
exploration and growth, we have inspired our students to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes, reinforcing the idea that effort and persistence are crucial to success. We are also proud to have had record participation in national competitions. Over 160 students entered both the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition (CAT) and the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), showcasing the strength and enthusiasm for Mathematics at Sacré Cœur.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Mathematics team: Caroline Brown, Anna-Marie McGann, Carl Kruger, Emma Teoh, Leah Tremewen, Danielle Carroll, Rachel Lowinger, Lucinda Williams and Leonard Euler. Their expertise, passion, and care have made a lasting impact on our students and helped cultivate a vibrant and supportive Maths community.
Deirdre O'Grady and Rebecca Long
In 2024, music played a vital role in enriching our School Community, offering students unique opportunities for personal and collective growth. From Joigny to Senior School, our music students enthusiastically embraced opportunities to showcase their talents, develop their musical skills and create lasting memories.
The Music Department enjoyed an outstanding year, marked by numerous memorable events and achievements. Our students showcased their dedication and talent in our Music Soirées, celebrating individual performance milestones and excellence in practice. The highly anticipated Music Camp fostered collaboration and teamwork, bringing 150 students from Years 6-12 together. The year culminated in a spectacular Senior Music Concert at the prestigious Melbourne Recital Centre where students performed with much passion and joy.
In Joigny, the Musical 'Nursery Crimes' was a resounding success, full of fun and community spirit. Featuring every student from Prep to Year 6, the production captivated audiences by bringing beloved nursery rhyme characters to life in unexpected ways. The Musical not only highlighted
the incredible talent of our Junior Students but also fostered a love of the performing arts, leaving lasting memories for all involved.
Throughout the year, our Music Program was a source of inspiration, not only for those who performed but for all who listened and supported. As the renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein once said, “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” His words are an apt reminder of music’s unique power to convey emotions and ideas that words cannot express.
As we reflect on a year filled with music and shared experiences, we look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you to every student, parent and staff member who has supported our Music community and made these achievements possible. Here’s to more music and more memories!
Thérèse John
This year our focus goal was "A personal and active faith in God". We have embraced this goal in various ways: Class Prayer cloths, daily prayer, religious music and Joigny led masses.
Holy Week, being the most important feast in the Catholic faith, was led this year by our Year 2 students. They brought the story of ‘The Tale of Three Little Trees’ to life, through action, song and music. It tells the Easter story from the perspective of three trees who had great dreams but that all changed so that they did not understand their purpose.
Their dreams were fulfilled but not in the way they expected. Each of them was touched by Jesus in a different way and each made a powerful difference in our faith story. The reverence of the student actors made the Easter liturgy even more poignant. They clearly understood the significance of the message they were delivering and the joy that comes from the resurrection of Jesus.
We are always looking for ways to help our students make a connection with Scripture. This year our teachers shared Scripture with the students through Godly play. Using threedimensional figurines and props helped our students make stronger connections to the story. The process encourages the students to ask ‘I wonder …..’ questions. This type of questioning allows for a deeper connection with the message and make meaning. Applying the message to their own lives is a lifelong process and at different stages of our lives we deepen our understanding further.
Again we were blessed as teachers to journey with our students as we helped them prepare for a sacrament with their families. First Eucharist and Reconciliation were celebrated this year in May and September.
The Feast of Madeleine Sophie Barat on 25 May ended this year’s week of Prayer. Students focussed on the theme ‘Let the Light Shine’ and wrote prayers on fabric lanterns for Others and on cardboard candles for Themselves. These cardboard candles have graced the high altar all year and given us all a focus. Each time we visit the Chapel we are reminded of the importance of asking God to walk beside us.
Kerry Ang
Our focus goal at Sacré Cœur has been “A personal and active faith in God” and we have used the phrase “Let the light shine” to frame it in 2024.
In our Religious Education classes, an important aspect of this goal has been to examine the educational vision of leading RSCJ wisdom women St Madeleine Sophie Barat, who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1800, St Philippine Duchesne, Mother Janet Erskine Stuart and Mother Mabel Digby. In our Year 7 RE course, students made an indepth analysis of the ideas of these wisdom women, and their ideas continued to be discussed at all year levels.
Our Year 8 students were once again able to visit the Jewish Museum as part of a unit on Judaism and life in the time of Jesus. A highlight of the Year 9 course was a unit on Wisdom and Justice where students had the opportunity to research someone that they considered to be a modern-day prophet. Those chosen included Malala, Dylan Alcott, Rosie Batty, Moira Kelly, Grace Tame and Adam Goodes.
For our unit on Indigenous Spirituality, Year 10 students participated in a project that involved RSCJ schools from the US, Mexico and our sister school, Kincoppal Rose Bay in Sydney. This gave our students the chance to learn about indigenous cultures from other countries and to share their thoughts and wonderings via zoom meetings.
RE at Year 11 is studied as the VCE subject “Unit 2: Religions and Ethics”. As well as looking at the theory of how ethical decisions are made, students get the chance to deep-dive into several relevant ethical issues such as euthanasia and capital punishment.
This year, our Year 12 students had several Reflection Days. In Term 1 our main theme was the “Search for meaning”
where we examined question such as “what is a good life?” and “how can we bring meaning into our lives?”. This included Father Steve giving a testimony on his life and his personal search for meaning, and four past students talking about their experiences at Sophie’s Farm in the Philippines. Alice Straford, Lucy Straford, Alice Dell and Jasmine Osborne spoke eloquently about their life-changing experiences of volunteering at Sophie's Farm. They were a great example of how one can live out actions for a good, or flourishing, life.
Our Retreat Day in Term 2 was held at Amberley Retreat Centre. The two aspects of our focus goal that this day concentrated on were:
• Let God’s Light Shine - an invitation to be open in our lives to receiving and embracing God’s unconditional love for each of us
• Let Your Light Shine - an invitation and encouragement to be thoughtful, deliberate and passionate about the exploration of our personal search for meaning and identity.
Our Term 4 Reflection Day included a session listening to past students tell us about their experiences since they left school, a welcome to our Alumnae Association, a shared meal and our Lanterns Ceremony in the Chapel, which is always a great highlight of the year.
We look forward to 2025 and all the challenges and surprises that it may bring to us, knowing that we need to “let our light shine” for others to see.
Anna-Marie McGann
All Science students continued to develop their data and analysis skills during 2024, with an increased emphasis on experiments and student investigations.
Year 7 students investigated separating mixtures and the physics of whirly birds, Year 8 students investigated rates of chemical reactions and the rate of heating in buildings made of different materials, Year 9 students investigated conservation of mass and wind turbines and Year 10 students investigated Newton’s Second Law. VCE Science students undertook a number of student-led experimental practical investigations, including plant stomata in Biology, Specific Heat Capacity in Chemistry, perception in Psychology and conservation of energy in Physics.
In Year 7—10 we launched the use of Stile, a new online learning platform specifically for Science which seeks to relate concepts to real world applications, in addition to using multiple, different forms of learning styles. Year 7 students developed safe laboratory skills, many performing experiments in a proper science laboratory for the first time. They also experienced first-hand how large masses curve space under the influence of gravity and used our own space-time simulators to watch how the traditionally straight path travelled by light or objects on flat space, travels in a curve under the influence of gravity in space, as part of their Einstein First Project. Year 8 students related their learning of heat and light to what they learned in Creative Arts, Humanities and Digital Technology classes as part of their interdisciplinary unit Design the Future. Almost all Year 9 students elected to do the Science of Crime Notre Monde elective where they learnt about the psychology of criminals and aspects of forensics, including DNA separation via gel electrophoresis.
Seventy nine students from Years 7—10 sat the Big Science Competition with 4 students achieving a Distinction, placing them in the top 10% of the country, as well as 5 students
achieving a High Distinction, placing them in the top 5% of the country. During the Term 2 and 3 holidays, two Year 9 and two Year 7 students were selected to participate in RMIT’s Young Women in Aerospace and Defence STEM Programs; one group of students coming 3rd place in a rocket competition on the last day of the Term 2 Program.
4 students from Years 9 and 10 participated in the Bionics Institute Girls in STEM Mentor Program. This involved meeting with their mentor from the Bionics Institute once every three weeks during Semester 2 to learn about her research in the field of nanoparticles and their use in the treatment of cancer and hearing loss. As part of this Program students also got to visit the Bionics Institute, hear from a number of prominent female research scientists, as well as undertake a number of activities in the Institute’s research laboratory at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Science Week was also a big hit this year. It started with a quiz for students in Vertical Homerooms, followed by an excursion mid-week for selected Year 9 and 10 students, a presentation during Assembly, a scrumptious morning tea for all staff hosted by Science staff and an escape room activity on Friday lunchtime where students raced against the clock to solve 8 puzzles based on the theme of species survival.
Science Club also ran each month from March through to October, with VCE Science students leading different experiments for our Year 7 and 8 students. Some of the experiments undertaken this year included a squid dissection, the extraction of DNA from kiwifruit, making electromagnets, exploring the colour of different solutions when heated and modelling the transfer of information through optic fibre (internet) cables via the total internal reflection of laser light through clear jelly.
Charlotte Kohinga
At our School, the Creative Arts Program serves as a vibrant cornerstone of our community, fostering creativity and collaboration among students.
Through active participation in the annual Arts Fest, students play a key role in celebrating artistic expression, showcasing their diverse talents across various mediums such as painting, sculpture and performance art. Additionally, Art Club offers a welcoming space for passionate individuals to explore and expand their artistic horizons, encouraging collaboration and experimentation. Meanwhile, the Media, Art and Design (MAD) Show unveils the innovative projects developed throughout the year, giving students the opportunity to present their work to a wider audience and receive valuable feedback.
Our VCE subjects Art Making and Exhibiting, along with Visual Communication and Media, further enrich our curriculum, empowering students to cultivate their unique artistic voices while developing critical skills in visual literacy and design. Art and creativity flourish throughout the School—ranging from vibrant murals to interactive installations—not only enhancing our environment but also promoting self-expression, confidence and critical thinking. Through these initiatives, students learn the importance of creativity in problem-solving and collaboration. Together, these elements illustrate the vital role that Art plays in shaping our School’s culture and identity, highlighting the transformative power of creativity as an integral part of our educational journey.
From the very first event, the much-loved House Aerobics, our spirit and energy started off in true Barat form. After a stressful few weeks of preparation, the day was a huge success for every Baratarian. We put on the most entertaining performances of all, from Rio Birds through Harry Potter Wizards to superstar Matildas; we truly outshone the rest. While we didn’t come away with the win, we became motivated to fight back and bring on 2024 like never before, and we sure did!
We started off the year with a bang - taking home two unbelievable wins in House Swimming and Diving! The theme of ‘fantasy’ saw each Baratarian get creative with fairies, dragons, princesses and even frogs! We dived straight into the competition and filled every single event thanks to our amazing Swimming Captain Bridget Slattery!
Our House unity and fierceness didn’t stop there - our next challenge was Arts Fest! As the most demanding yet exciting event of the year (and probably of our lives) we united like never before to put on an incredible show. We danced the night away, following the case of popstar Cindy Starshine and her mystery murderer.
The cohesion between year levels enabled sections to all work together incredibly well - a huge thank you to each of our amazing section leaders who were the beating heart of Arts Fest! The show could not have gone on without you! While Duchesne deservedly came home with the win, our performance was one to remember, and the House Cup race was still very much alive!
In Term 2, Barat gave it their all in House Debating! Every Wednesday our knowledge and rhetorical skills proved the depth of Barat’s talent, skill and green spirit.
With the House Cup on the line, the much-anticipated House Athletics Carnival saw Barat embrace our French heritage. With baguettes, mice and Tour de France cyclists, Barat’s enthusiasm and house spirit were once again unmatched.
For every jump, sprint and throw, we filled every event and cheered throughout the entire day. The race was tight for the win, but with our Junior and Senior divisions winning their categories, we came home with the trophy!
Sacred Heart Week saw more victories for Barat, as we thrived on the Dodgeball court, dominating with our teamwork and competitiveness. Our commitment shone through, we had the most competitors of all the houses!
To round off the year, almost 100 girls submited a photo, unleashing our creativity to finish 2024 with a win in House Photography!
To Barat: the House Cup would not have been possible without your continual teamwork, commitment and spirit. We have loved every second of our Barat journey, and we are sad to say goodbye to this family. We are beyond grateful for everything Barat has given us and for making our final year so memorable. Barat, we are proud of each and every one of you and we wish you all the very best for the years to come.
Ruby Cornish & Zoe Harrington
This year has been truly exceptional for Digby, filled with excitement, camaraderie and unforgettable moments. As we look back, it’s clear that 2024 has been a year of remarkable achievement for all of us. From the very beginning, we knew Digby had something special, but none of us could have predicted just how much we’d accomplish together.
We kicked off the year with a fantastic performance at the House Swimming Carnival. It wasn’t just our skills in the pool that stood out, it was the incredible sense of community and House spirit that set us apart. Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of every single one of you, Digby proudly earned its first House Spirit Cup! The day was filled with joy, laughter and outstanding achievements, and we wish to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this milestone victory. It felt like the start of something much bigger.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Our participation in Arts Fest demonstrated yet again the incredible teamwork and collaboration that defined Digby. Seeing so many of you come together to create such a remarkable performance was truly inspiring. It was unforgettable, and for that, we extend a heartfelt thank you.
This spirit of determination and unity carried us through to the 2024 House Athletics Carnival, where Digby claimed its second House Spirit Cup! It was a testament to the collective energy and enthusiasm that every one of you brought to the field. And let’s not forget the House Photography competition that rounded off the year. The quality of the submissions from all year levels was nothing short of outstanding.
As we bring this year to a close, we want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to every member of the Digby House. Your dedication, hard work and unwavering support have been the driving forces behind our success
this year. It has been an absolute honour to serve as your House Captains, and we are incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together.
You are what makes Digby such an extraordinary place to be. Every event, every competition and every challenge was met with enthusiasm, resilience and, above all, teamwork. Whether on the sports field, in academic contests or during House spirit activities, your energy and dedication were contagious, inspiring everyone around you to give their best.
Thank you for making this year one to remember! We are confident that the legacy of Digby’s success will continue to grow in the years to come.
Bridget Gray & Angela Sun
In an exhilarating turn of events, Duchesne had grasped the 2023 House Cup, marking the first victory in two decades. This success instilled a renewed sense of pride and ambition into the House. Duchesne had risen, and the only way forward was up. Still in 2023, Duchesne dominated the House Aerobics competition, securing wins across all categories: Juniors, Seniors, and Intermediates. The routines, inspired by pop culture—from "High School Musical" to "Madagascar"—showcased the creativity and energy across all our year levels.
House Swimming rolled around the corner faster than expected. Costumes ranged from killer clowns through bloody body parts to dead brides; it was truly a special day and a great way to start the 2024 House Season. Special thanks to our 2024 Swimming Captain, Chloe Foster, for being pivotal to the running of the House Swimming. Unfortunately, Duchesne didn’t do as well in the pool, but we persevered in face of challenges. We didn’t let this get us down and focused on the biggest event of the House Year: ARTS FEST!!
Arts Fest was a significant triumph for us, as we swept every section clean, taking the overall win – our greatest feat. The theme 'Twist in Time' brought an array of creative expressions to the forefront. The event was marked by a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, even amidst challenges— be it issues with songs, scripts, or stage lighting—Duchesne’s resilience shone through, showcasing our artistic talent and unity. Each one of our section leaders displayed their phenomenal skills and house spirit and we could not have succeeded without them.
In House Athletics, Duchesne brought a fun American vibe, with references to basketball jerseys and pop culture. The atmosphere was lively as everyone participated and gave their best to the competition. Duchesne came in second place overall, a tremendous improvement on last year, and ended the day singing along to Miley Cyrus’ ‘Party in the USA’. A
special thanks to our 2024 Athletics Captain MJ Hudson who ensured that the day ran smoothly.
Duchesne also excelled in the House Debating Competition, defeating our opponents with confidence. This win showcased our team’s strong arguments and communication skills. Congratulations Duchesne for winning two years in a row.
Results for the final event, House Photography, were still pending at the time of the House Cup announcement. This competition allowed us to display our photography skills, highlighting the creative talents within Duchesne. Thank you to all those who contributed a photo, and to MJ Hudson and Darci Haber, our House Photography Captains!
Overall, 2024 was a historic year for Duchesne, filled with remarkable achievements in different events. The victories in Aerobics, Arts Fest, Athletics, and Debating showcased the talent, dedication and unity of our House. As it looks forward to 2025, Duchesne is poised to build on this momentum, driven by a spirit of determination and camaraderie. The foundation has been laid for an exciting future, and the possibilities are endless for the House. Duchesne is still on the rise!
GO DUCHESNE!
Emily Callinan & Chloe Kirkwood
As we reflect on our time as Stuart House Captains, we are truly grateful to have been voted to represent our House and experience this incredible journey. The role of House Co-captains for 2023/4 has been an opportunity that we have both valued and taken very seriously. We have been able to form many connections and recognise the remarkable spirit that lives inside Stuart.
From the moment we were immersed in the Stuart spirit, all the way back in Year 7, we instantly felt a sense of belonging and that is something we aimed to achieve for every student this year. What we love about Stuart is that it isn’t the results that define us but rather our unity as we face every challenge together. Whether it was preparing for the stressful Arts Fest, or warming up for House Athletics, we have been fortunate enough to see the unique talent that each individual brought and realised that this is why our House is so special.
As we became freshly appointed Captains at the end of 2023, we had the responsibility to coach and overlook Aerobics for all year levels. We saw cheerleaders, Santa's elves and Spidermen take the stage and absolutely amaze the judges. Arts Fest had us flying around and was definitely one to remember. Then, House Swimming… well, definitely not our strongest event, however, we put up a fierce fight. Our next mission was House Athletics where we suited up in United Kingdom-inspired outfits and the best costume award went to BIG BEN (Charlotte Kohinga Y12).
Time and time again, it is Stuart's House spirit that doesn’t fail. Even after a loss, every member can hold their head high and continue to rally. Volunteering to fill in events or help others in the House highlights the amazing, special atmosphere within Stuart. We would like to thank members, supporters, teachers and families for their dedication. Your
commitment and enthusiasm have made our roles as Captains so much easier and so much more enjoyable. We wish to express our gratitude for having the opportunity to lead the best House. Thank you Stuart for all the incredible memories we created together. We are so excited to see Esther Pound and Ella Cosgrave lead the House in 2024/25. Keep up the great work Stuart! And for the final time…
Do it for Stuart!
Ava Simpson
2024 has given us a year of timeless memories as a community.
To kick off, we held our famous Arts Fest where, once again, each House put together a 20-minute performance involving Drama, Instrumental and Creative Arts. The theme of ‘Time’ allowed students of all year levels to challenge their creativity and display their hard work to the rest of the School Community. Arts Fest plays a pivotal role in bringing year levels and Houses together, allowing us to celebrate the talent of each individual.
Music Camp was a great way to finish Term 2, with all participants excited to head off to Arrabri Lodge for three days and two nights, to really polish our pieces in anticipation of the upcoming Music Concert. As a collective, we particularly enjoyed archery, the giant swing and the ropes course, and it’s safe to say that the annual Spicks and Specks Trivia, run by the Year 12s, was one for the history books.
I know I speak for all of us when I say that Music Camp is certainly one of the most exciting times of the year, and it really brings us all together, regardless of year level.
Our highly celebrated Music Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre was without a doubt one of the best. From Mozart to Wicked, students from Years 5 to 12 were able to demonstrate their talent, hard work and commitment evident throughout the year. Seeing the excitement and support of students backstage made me incredibly grateful for the
opportunity to share the hard work that goes on in the Music Department.
Concluding this year with joy and excitement was our Chapel Concert and Awards Night, allowing students to again share their talent and love of music. These outstanding performances demonstrated once more their determination, skill and diligence. The night was full of fun, laughter and even a few tears as we celebrated the success of each and every student.
This year has given me the opportunity to truly appreciate how much Music means to not only me but to the School Community. I am grateful to have experienced the growth of such an incredible group of music students. I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to the incredibly hardworking Sacré Cœur Music Department, particularly to Ms O’Grady, Ms Roberts and Ms Long. Their support and guidance throughout my time not only as Music Captain, but as a music student, was much appreciated. I extend this thank you to each and every student who is part of the music community. Your passion and love of music have inspired me and shaped me into the person I am today. My time as Music Captain has been nothing short of incredible, and I hope that everyone is able to experience the joy that comes from entering Brynmawr.
Zara Katiforis
Throughout the year, debating at Sacré Cœur continued to go from strength to strength. No longer just another co-curricular activity, it has become a community where everyone is invited to share their talents and find their voice.
Debating flourished with many opportunities and key moments. Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of hosting the fortnightly Debating Club where we honed our debating skills and were inspired by talented debaters. House Debating also offered Senior School students the opportunity to participate in fun, albeit competitive debates. They showed off their skills in creative arguments and scathing rebuttals. The Staff vs Student Debate during Sacred Heart Week, always a highlight on the School Calendar, certainly did not disappoint. The Staff and Students fiercely debated whether Sacré Cœur should become co-educational. The Staff, who argued that our School should not become co-ed, were ultimately victorious, prompting a sigh of relief from most students.
Unsurprisingly, Sacré Cœur continued to impress at external public speaking and debating competitions where we were well represented by over 40 students. Most notably, Sacré Cœur competed in the 2024 Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Competition with over 6 teams entered from Years 9-12. We braved the cold and dreary Monday nights at St. Kevin’s to show off our debating prowess and deliver our scintillating rebuttals, more often than not flooring our opponents. The DAV season culminated in success for the Year 9 Team who made it to the DAV Octo-Finals.
We have also been impressively represented at the British Parliamentary Debating Competition and the DAV Junior Secondary Program. The Year 7s and 8s definitely excelled in this competition and it is fair to say that the future of debating at Sacré Cœur looks very strong.
I’d like to thank Ms Lancefield for her organisation and guidance. This amazing year would not have been possible without her support and the support of the many teachers who attended DAV Debates and adjudicated House Debates. I would also like to thank Izzy Chavarria, Rebecca Moore, Livinia Sheridan and Annie Nie for their support of House Debating and Mr Maguire and the Leadership Team for always organising entertaining assemblies. And, of course, a thank you to all of the debaters: your unwavering commitment has been incredible and I admire your enthusiasm and love of debating.
I am immensely grateful for the amazing opportunity to lead Public Speaking and Debating at Sacré Cœur and congratulate Izzy Chavarria on becoming the 2024/2025 Public Speaking Prefect. I am confident that Debating and Public Speaking will continue to thrive in 2025!
Tanya Lancefield
What co-curricular activity builds your confidence, enhances your ability to work as part of a team, develops your oral presentation and persuasive skills and is hugely rewarding and fun? Answer: Debating and Public Speaking.
In 2024 the Debating and Public Speaking community at Sacré Cœur continued to grow as students new to these activities seized opportunities to make their voices heard. They joined a strong group of seasoned debaters and speakers who have further developed their skills throughout numerous competitions this year.
The Debating and Public Speaking calendar included competitions run by the Debaters’ Association of Victoria in the areas of Traditional 3 vs 3 Debating, Public Speaking and also the expanded and feisty format of British Parliamentary Debating. This format is loved by many as eight students debate at once and have the added bonus that interjections of opposition speakers are encouraged. Several students have also participated in additional public speaking competitions such as Ainger Peck, run by Rotary Richmond, and the VCAA Plain Speaking Competition as well as a Model United Nations event.
House Debating has also been a highlight of the Debating calendar this year. Congratulations to Duchesne who won the House Debating Cup, which is awarded for debating success as well as the number of participating students per House. It is always exciting to see so many students who are new to debating participate in this fun competition and to witness their efforts and resulting rewards when they experience the buzz that comes from arguing in front of an audience. Debate Club has also continued to be a friendly forum where those new to Debating can practise their skills and meet other students with a shared passion for arguing a point of view.
A special mention goes to the Year 9 Interschool Debating Team of Felicia Bonacci, Miranda John, Ashi Kumar, Olivia Nedanovski and Annaliese O’Donnell. Their winning streak of six debates in a row meant that they made it through to the State Octo-Finals. Congratulations on your consistently fantastic debating all season Year 9s!
Debaters love to express their views, and here’s what they had to say about their experiences of Debating in 2024:
"Debating allowed me to not only make friends but also to gain confidence! It was so much fun to be a part of and I enjoyed debating with other students!" — Tiasha Karunatunga, Year 8
"This year I have been involved in many aspects of debating, including DAV and House debates. In particular, DAV debating was a really enjoyable experience as I spoke against different schools that I haven't debated against before. I also got to be in a team with some new people which allowed me to gain valuable perspectives on the topic and develop my skills even further. Overall, debating was really fun this year, allowing me to learn much and meet new people."
— Jemima Chippindall Year 11
"This year, Debating and Public Speaking have been transformative experiences. Competing in the A Grade was both challenging and rewarding. The heightened competition demanded that I refine my argumentation and presentation abilities, pushing me to new levels of skill. This year’s engagements in Debating and Public Speaking have not only enhanced my rhetorical abilities but also strengthened my commitment to advocacy and effective communication."
— Rebecca Moore Year 11
"Throughout the year I've noticed many times that I've had nerve-racking debates, but once you started the debate, you realised how easy and fun it was as all the work and research paid off. The Sacré Cœur debating community has always had open arms, welcoming me to participate."
— Connie Tang Year 8
"This year, Debating and Public Speaking has been a highly educative and most enjoyable experience. From participating in British Parliamentary Debating to a Model United Nations Assembly, the experiences I have gained from these opportunities have expanded my knowledge of global and economic issues, while also providing me with skills that I will use for the rest of my life.
The Model United Nations Assembly was one of the most interesting experiences that I've had this year. My partner Jess and I became the delegates of New Zealand and had the privilege of being sponsored by the Glenferrie Rotary Club. It was a two-day program where we and other schools acted like real United Nations delegates, speaking on behalf of our countries." — Nayeli Vithanage Year 10
Jessica Clarke
Participation and the willingness to be part of a team have been the pillars of our program with between 250—300 students involved in Sport each Term during 2024. It did not matter whether a student was familiar with the particular activity, there was always an avenue to be involved in Sport at Sacré Cœur. We had a phenomenal number of teams entered in the different sports this year, a testament that our students have the appetite to play sport, but also that the ethos of our Program promotes a supportive and fun environment which creates healthy competition and enthusiasm to play.
Term 1 GSV Premierships
• Senior A Indoor Cricket
• Intermediate A Indoor Cricket
• Junior A Indoor Cricket
• Junior B Indoor Cricket
Term 1 GSV Runners Up
• Senior B Indoor Cricket
Term 1 GSV Finalists
• Intermediate D Tennis
• GSV Swimming and Diving Finals Evening Qualifiers:
• Tyleigh Goncalves (Diving)
• Francesca Hanlon (Year 12: 50m Breaststroke, 50m Fly)
• Tilly Marshall (Year 10: 100m Free, 50m Breaststroke)
• Maisy Graves (Year 8: 100m Free, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Butterfly)
• GSV Triathlon Medalist: Coco Bourke (3rd Place Individual Event)
• Cricket Victoria Inter-Association Premiership Winners
Did you know that Netball is the most popular women’s sport in Australia with 1 million women and girls playing the sport nationally and over 20 million women and men playing on the global scale? This may be why Sacré Cœur fielded 23 teams this year with a huge amount of success. But it wasn’t just Netball that created so many highlights in Term 2. We fielded 3 Hockey teams, 2 Senior AFL teams and a strong AFL 9’s team who was undefeated throughout the season.
Term 2 GSV Premierships
• Intermediate SAC 2 Netball
• Junior SAC 2 Netball
• Junior SAC 5 Netball
• Junior SAC 6 Netball
• Junior SAC 7 Netball
Term 2 GSV Runners Up
• Senior SAC 2 Netball
• Intermediate SAC 1 Netball
• Intermediate SAC 4 Netball
• Intermediate SAC 8 Netball
• Junior SAC 10 Netball
• Junior Hockey Team
Term 2 GSV Finalists
• Senior SAC 1 Netball
• Senior SAC 3 Netball
• Senior Hockey Team
• Junior SAC 1 Netball
Congratulations to our “Laura Trophy” recipients who were the first Sacré Cœur finishers at the GSV Cross Country Championship Day. The award is named in honour of Laura Eades and Laura Monagle - Class of 2008.
• Junior 3km event: Ivy Foster
• Intermediate 4km event: Evelyn Menelaws
• Senior 4km event: Coco Bourke
The Term 3 GSV Sport Season was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing remarkable talent and unwavering dedication from our students and coaches alike. From the get go, the GSV Track & Field season was fiercely competitive with our students progressing to make it into another Division 1 Championship Day. Both, students and coaches, trained in the early hours of the morning and were confident enough to try their best on all competition days. Congratulations to all Soccer and Badminton participants this year with, again, an impressive number of teams entered into the competition. Celebrations were at an all-time high when our Senior B Badminton Team performed admirably and with poise to take home the Premiership against Camberwell Girls’ Grammar.
It was a massive achievement for the following competitors who qualified for the GSV Finals Evening held at Lakeside Stadium.
• Year 7: Claudia Pound, Ruby Paice.
• Year 8: Juliet Gribble, Ivy Foster, Charlotte Ffrench, Gaby Noonan, Annabel Scheele, Millie Moss, Annabelle Gloag
• Year 9: Chiara Kotis, Imogen Davison, Sylvie Bernard, Amelie Luba, Eliza Doyle, Evelyn Menelaws
• Year 10: Grace Ellett, Matilda Marshall, Helena Berry, Charlotte Ryan, Ella Rossney
• Year 11: Millie Paice, Lucy Bowden, Bridget Slattery, Leni Paten, isabella Chavarria
• Year 12: Anna Liacopoulos, Coco Bourke, Bridget Gray, Sophie Roberts, Gabriella Ciurleo, Marissa Chalikouras
Congratulations also to the following medalists from the GSV Track & Field Finals Evening:
• Year 8: Juliet Gribble - Gold Medalist in High Jump
• Year 9: Imogen Davison - Silver Medalist in Hurdles, Hugh jump & Triple Jump
• Year 11: Lucy Bowden - Gold Medalist in Javelin
• Year 11: Bridget Slattery - Silver Medalist in 400m
• Year 12: Anna Liacopoulos - Gold Medalist in Shot Put and Javelin. Silver medalist in Discus.
Term 3 GSV Premierships
• Senior B Badminton
Term 4 kicked off with great energy as our Senior Basketball and Cricket seasons raced from start to finish. We are proud to share that our Senior B & C Basketball teams reached the semi-finals, while our Senior B Cricketers battled their way to the final game of the season. The season was packed with excitement, featuring both thrilling wins and valuable lessons from losses.
A special mention goes to our Class of 2024 students who have played their last GSV matches. Their teamwork, resilience, and “never say die” spirit have been fantastic to watch during the year and we are very proud of their commitment and contribution to the Sporting Program throughout their time at Sacré Cœur.
Term 4 GSV Premierships
• Junior A Cricket
Term 4 GSV Runners Up
• Senior B Cricket
• Junior A Basketball
• Junior E Basketball
Term 4 GSV Finalists
• Senior B Basketball
• Senior C Basketball
• Junior A Basketball
• Junior C Basketball
• Junior D Basketball
• Junior F Basketball
Congratulations to our Sportsgirl of the Year and Cor Unum Recipients for 2024. Your exceptional dedication, skill and resilience in the sporting area have been wonderful to watch.
• Junior Sportsgirl (Years 7 & 8): Ruby Paice
• Intermediate Sportsgirl (Years 9 & 10): Imogen Davison
• Senior Sportsgirl (Years 11 & 12): Anna Liacopoulos
• Cor Unum Sports Award (The Cumminham Family Trophy): Lucy Doyle
To conclude, 2024 has been a very successful year in Sport.
Congratulations to all GSV Sport participants and I hope to see you all back next year!
Coco Bourke
Full of many highs and outstanding achievements, Sport continues to thrive here at Burke Road. From the first whistle of the season to the final cheer, we have seen incredible displays of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship, as well as the rise of some exceptional talent here at Sacré Cœur.
It is safe to say that Term 1 began with a bang! Swimmers arrived bright and early at Harold Holt Pool three times a week and divers spent Friday afternoons improving their skills at Oakleigh Pool. The commitment and hard work of all the girls was remarkable. The divers finished third in Division 2, with one Finals Night representative and the swimmers finished third in Division 3, with three Finals Night representatives. Each of these girls is congratulated on their effort and we hope they will continue to impress with their talents in the coming years. Term 1 success continued with Sac achieving three Indoor Cricket Premierships, as well as becoming finalists in both Senior and Inter grade Tennis. A big congratulations to the two students who made the Vic Swimming Squad and the U16 VIC Metro Basketball Squad.
Always a hectic time, Term 2 offers a variety of sports with, once again, high levels of student participation. Cross country is always popular and this year was no exception. The early morning training sessions and hard work paid off as the squad placed fourth in Division 2. Netball continues to be the sport of choice for many with 23 teams entered for the season and a number of these qualifying for the weekly finals! In the AFL space, Tedde’s Titans & Ando’s Commando’s demonstrated their talent and dedication throughout the season also ensuring the famous Jumping Jive song came out in all its glory multiple times.
Term 3, consisting of Soccer, Badminton and Track and Field, reinforced the talent and drive displayed by students previously. Under the guidance of coach Nick in Track and Field, we finished up eighth in Division 1, enabling many girls to achieve greatness on finals night. Soccer and Badminton continued to show promising results with more premiership wins for SAC !
2024 has been another incredible year of Sport here at Burke Road. Whether it was on the field, court or track, we saw Sacré Cœur students pushing their limits, supporting one another and representing their school with pride. Victory was sweet, but what mattered more was the camaraderie that developed along the way—how we faced challenges together, lifted each other up after tough losses and celebrated every win, big or small.
Andrea Eynon
2024 has been a vibrant year of memories, friendships and personal growth—highlighting our commitment to the wellbeing of every student at Joigny.
As we look back, it's evident that our shared journey encompassed more than academic success. We acknowledge that wellbeing involves every aspect of the person: intellectual, social, emotional, moral, physical, and spiritual. Whether in the classroom or on the playground we nurture the whole student; focus on student wellbeing is for us at the heart of a Sacred Heart education.
2024 began with our Connect Us Program, held during the first three days of the School year. This time allowed groups to connect, foster inclusion and establish a positive classroom culture. Once again, the Program focused on three key elements: creating class routines and connections, producing a shared piece of Joigny artwork and enjoying a fun-filled Kaboom Kids Sports morning.
At Joigny, we strive to create opportunities for students to actively engage and build positive relationships within the vibrant School Community. Structures like the Prep-Year 5 Buddy Program, the Student Representative Council, whole school Art activities, House events and lunchtime clubs offer numerous ways for students to connect across year levels. As a learning community, we strive to foster this sense of belonging as we know it is closely linked to an enhanced sense of positive wellbeing.
Underpinning student wellbeing is our School’s Restorative Practices Approach, which places relationships at the centre of student behaviour. This Approach enables students to
develop their emotional intelligence and build relationships while experiencing connectedness to their community, engagement and positive, respectful relationships with peers and teachers.
A large component of our Wellness Program this year was again The Resilience Project with a focus on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. This structured approach was also complemented by the Social Stencil Program in Years 3 and 5. Classroom teachers provided explicit learning opportunities which focused on social-emotional learning in the areas of self-awareness and management, social awareness, responsible decision making and relationship skills.
Our fortnightly Assembly provided us with a forum to celebrate achievements, both big and small. From academic and sporting milestones to celebrations of classroom learning, the opportunity to come together as a Junior School Community amplified this sense of accomplishment for our students. These celebrations contributed to a culture that values effort, persistence, and the unique strengths of every individual.
As we reflect on the year's achievements, it's important to pause, take stock and celebrate the journey. Success is not just about reaching the destination but about the resilience, growth and joy experienced along the way. Thank you to all members of the Joigny Community for their contributions to another highly successful year.
Leila Aquilina, Audrey Duck, Rochelle Francis & Emma Robinson
We have guided the Green Team members in our role as the Sustainability Leaders for Joigny 2024.
We have been curious to learn more about how to reduce, reuse and recycle different materials and items that we frequently use. For example, it was brought to our attention that the Australian Open uses numerous plastic tennis ball containers. We found they made perfect pot plants for our sprigs of succulents. The Joigny Green Team members and Senior School Students worked together to grow plants which have been thriving. At assembly we have been raising awareness about how to dispose of rubbish in an environmentally safe manner. We encourage students to reduce their waste by reading the signs on the School bins and using them appropriately. We encourage you all to think about different ways to reduce greenhouse gases in our
environment. Perhaps reflect on your daily routine and you could create some new habits such as carpooling, walking or riding a bike to school. We leave you with a question to ponder: How can I live in a more sustainable manner? We’d love to hear your suggestions.
Annabel Kelliher
In my role as Sustainability Prefect, I have had the pleasure of seeing some important changes in improving our School’s sustainability. Educating students and spreading awareness have led to a greater impact on our environment.
The Joigny Green Team have worked diligently across the year to learn about more sustainable ways for our community. During Term 2, they created planters made from recycled tennis ball cylinders, left over from the Australian Open. In this way, they were able to repurpose single-use plastics and grow perfect indoor succulents. During the change of seasons in Term 3, with the help of Mr Oski, we launched a new initiative, Turn down, turn off. Students were encouraged to only turn the heater on to 20 degrees as every degree over 20 contributes to a 2% increase to electricity cost and also a 2% increase to the emission of global warming gases. To save energy, students were also encouraged to turn off heaters and lights at the end of classes.
Moreover, across Term 2 and 3 Ms Keel, Harry the gardener, Mr Maguire and I began planning for an exciting initiative, the Sacré Cœur Indigenous Garden. Our main objective was to create a garden with plants native to the land on which the School stands, which, in turn, would attract more native fauna. In consultation with Rewilding Stonnington, we bought plants from VINC, a nursery specialising in Indigenous plants, including long, low growing grasses and shrubs. Having won a grant from Rotary Canterbury for the establishment of our Indigenous Garden, we were able to purchase over 200 seedlings. On the day of planting in September, many
grade 5 and 6 students and some Year 11s planted these along the right hand side of the drive-way as you enter from Burke Road. Over the next few years, more native plants will be added. I am excited to see this garden grow in the years to come and look forward to seeing future Sustainability Prefects continue with this initiative.
I would like to thank Mr Maguire and Ms Keel for their unwavering support of me in this role over the year. Without their help and organisation the Indigenous Garden would not exist. It has been a pleasure to oversee our improvements in Sustainability in 2024, and I wish Chiara Farlecas all the best as she steps into this role in 2025.
Laura Blake
In the classroom, Valentina starts the day, Her bright ideas light the way.
Marina’s smile is warm and kind, Her gentle heart is one of a kind.
Mathilde reads with a voice so clear, Each word she speaks, we love to hear.
Olivia’s drawings fill the room with cheer, Her art brings joy to all who are near.
Atara’s writing is neat and true, Her careful work shines through and through.
Elyssa’s laughter is a joyful sound, Her giggles make the classroom round.
Annabelle tells stories that spark delight, Her tales fill our hearts, day and night.
Tiffany’s kindness spreads like light, She’s always there to make things right.
Cassey’s answers are smart and bright, She thinks and shines with all her might.
Olga’s projects are colorful and fun, Her creativity outshines everyone.
Sophia’s Math skills are sharp and neat, She solves each problem, never missing a beat.
Amelia’s Art is full of grace, Her masterpieces brighten the place.
Twelve little friends, each with a part, Together they make a work of heart.
What an amazing year it has been in Year 1!
I am Chloe and I am good at playing Tennis in Sport at catching the ball.
When it hits up against the wall.
I am Charlotte and I am good at doing all sorts of things in Art, like clay.
That can really make my day!
Ana is my name. Art is something I am good at. Like drawing lots of animals like a cute cat.
I am Sasha and I am good at making new friends and I say hi what is your name?
Then we play and have fun and I invite them to my game.
I am Luella and am good at running in PE, like really fast. You might not see me coming, I could zoom right past.
I am Olivia and I am good at Ballet and dancing in the playground each day.
I can also make new things and in Art in a pretty cool way.
I am Charlene and I am good at making Artwork out of clay. One of my favourite things to do is go out in the sunshine and play.
I am Emilie and I love Music and PE.
I am pretty good at just being me.
I am Jianna and I am good at running and playing outside with my friends on the yard.
Some days I even make them a card.
Aria is my name.
I love Music and Art and playing with my friends, lots and lots of games.
My name is Claire and I am good at drawing animals like a bunny and a dog.
When I am in PE I sometimes like to go for a fast jog.
My name is Lydia and I am good at playing piano in Music and PE.
So many games and songs to sing, I like others to listen and see.
I am Emily and I like seeing my friends at school each day. We have fun while we learn and that is a pretty cool thing to say.
My name is Mary and I am good at making things with clay in Art.
I also show kindness in my sacred heart.
I am Alyssa and I can make coral wreaths out of clay. And be a good friend by helping them feel happy and make their day.
I am Hanna and I am good at making new friends. I can make them laugh.
But I would not want to dress up as a giraffe!
Year 2 has been fun, we all have to say
We have worked really hard, it's now time to play
The beginning of the year now seems so far away But the memories we made will last us forever and a day.
Natalija and Ella were new to our class. It didn't take us long to become friends fast.
Grace and Emily were never apart.
They have been great friends from the very start.
Emma and Millie loved to perform.
The Year 2 plays was where stars were born.
Scarlett and Mia with a smile so wide; Performing on stage with such great pride.
Natalie H and Alba were quiet as mice. Friends to everyone as they were so nice.
Lexie and Ashley with laughter and cheer. They built a friendship that was so true and dear.
Kiara and Clara made memories that will last.
They can’t believe how this year has passed so fast.
Natalie N and Mia J had a year full of fun. Together they worked and played in the sun.
Scarlett and Raquella, were a dynamic duo.
There was no place their learning wouldn't allow them to go.
Anika and Evelyn, together they stand.
Writing their stories with such wisdom in hand.
Julia and Jacqueline reached for the sky.
Gliding through the hallways full of school pride.
Farewell to Year 2, it’s been a great year. We have worked so hard it's time to give a big cheer.
Toni Parnell
Year 3 has been such an exciting time!
One of our favourite events was the Book Parade. Characters from Harry Potter and even ballerinas from Swan Lake appeared, and they looked so graceful dancing around with their friends. It was amazing to see all of us in our creative costumes—characters from our favorite books truly came to life!
Reading in class was another highlight. We enjoyed Matilda by Roald Dahl. We loved learning about Matilda and how her teacher, Miss Honey, helped her discover her talents. It taught us the importance of kindness and treating others with respect.
The French Village Fair was an absolute blast! We had so much fun going on rides, patting adorable animals and enjoying yummy food like popcorn. Laughter and excitement made the day unforgettable. Sacred Heart Day was another special occasion. The silent disco was a fantastic experience! We danced to all kinds of music and took part in the Lucky Dip, where we were pleasantly surprised by the little gifts we received. And the pink cotton candy was so sweet and delicious! It felt great to celebrate with everyone from Prep to Year 12.
Then came the Potato Olympics. We created our own potato athletes, dressed them up in the colours of their countries’ flags, and watched them compete in events. It was hilarious and so much fun!
We celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in the Chapel with a meaningful Mass and a special community event for all students and families involved. Finally, our School sleepover was magical! We were thrilled to experience Camp@School with our Year 3 friends. We had a busy day creating a dream catcher and a place mat. We all enjoy sports, so swimming and playing games were fun. We were so pleased to spend quality time together. Year 3 was truly a year full of joy, learning and unforgettable memories.
Row 3
Row 2
Front Row
Lee,
Janine Hogan, Grace Wang, Hannah Liew, Keira Tolentino, Celeste Wood, Victoria Samboaga, Toni Parnell, Kelly Fay
Stella Buckley, Ludovica Colosimo, Elyssa Su, Jing Tong Wang, Paris Grizancic, Christine Wong, Rori Nocom, Gwen Mustapha, Ashra Ensomo
Absent Reneisha Patidar, Mia Poposki
Learning Support Officer
Homeroom Teacher
Head of Joigny
Kelly Fay
Toni Parnell
Janine Hogan
At Sacré Cœur, the year shone bright, Year 4’s days were pure delight. With laughter shared and moments here, We’ll cherish every memory with each peer.
Sacred Heart Day sparkled with cheer, Abigail loved candy bags, it was clear.
Zoey felt it was a dream, With bouncy castles and a haunted scene.
Emma enjoyed the lucky dip’s fun, So many options for everyone.
Sophie felt the day was the best, With friends and fun, it stood out from the rest.
Mia H raced through stalls with glee, As Sacred Heart Day flew by so quickly.
Audrey Mi found the lolly bags sweet, A fair for students, truly a treat.
First Communion was a sacred day, Eloise found it profound in every way. Receiving the bread, she felt the grace, A moment cherished, a holy place.
French Village Fair brought joy anew, Audrey Ma loved the rides and the view. Candy from a stand was a favourite delight, While Abby enjoyed the food and the sight. Chatter and performances filled the space, A vibrant day, a festive embrace.
Book Week was a costume parade, Clara enjoyed poems the performer played. Characters from books made the day bright, With laughter and stories, a pure delight.
Werribee Zoo was an adventure grand, Stella saw animals from many a land.
Mia B loved the safari bus ride, While Olivia found the giraffe a special guide. Annika’s project on African beasts, Made the Zoo a highlight, to say the least.
Dessie marveled at the animals so fine, A phenomenal experience, truly divine.
Katriel’s giraffe, so tall and grand, Under the sun, it made a stand.
House Swimming brought Jemima’s cheer, A 50-metre race she held dear.
Despite the cold, it was a thrill, And she looks forward to it still.
Potato Olympics and sports were Lexie’s joy, Along with the Zoo, they were her favourite ploy.
And Mikayla found great fun in song and dance,
For Nursery Crimes, she took her chance.
Learning and performing with friends in the play, Made every rehearsal a joyful day.
From fairs and Zoos to sports and song, This year’s memories will live on.
With each event and every cheer, Year 4’s highlights are truly clear.
Absent Despina
Learning Support Officer Skye McEwen
Homeroom Teacher Loretta Williams
Head of Joigny Janine Hogan
In Year 5, we soared so high, On the giant swing, we touched the sky. Natasha laughed, Esther cheered, With every thrill, our worries disappeared.
At camp, we fed animals with glee, Gisele, Rochelle and Indiana shined brightly. In the mud run, we raced with zest, Adriana and Noreen gave it their best.
Fashion shows filled with flair, Abbey twirled while Ruby and Annie shared. Cayetanna and Penelope dazzled the crowd, Ivy M, Kiera and Shantel danced proud.
In the pool, we splashed with delight, Evie and Grace dove in, her spirit so bright. Athletics brought cheers, we ran side by side, Annuska, Ceanna, and Emily with pride. Exploring Como House, we learned and grew, Abby’s stories and Phoebe’s ideas flew.
In Tech, Emma and Peg coded away, Chiara, Sophie and Ivy W joined in the play.
Oobleck experiments brought laughter and fun, Sadie, Maggie and Anvi sparkled like the sun. Science experiments with balloons so bright, Melissa and Audrey made it feel right.
In House Aerobics, we danced like stars, Leona, Sophia, and Tippi raised the bars. Book Week brought costumes galore, Leila and Ava led the laughter, for sure.
At Parliament House, we learned every day, Zoe, Belle and Keira showed us the way. Math games challenged, we stood tall, Jinyu and Eloise gave it our all.
Through every adventure, we grew and we shined, A tapestry woven with friendships aligned. Here’s to Year 5, a treasure so bright, With cherished memories, our hearts full of light.
Front Row Penelope Mooney, Catherine Young, Gisele Luba, Keira Crawford, Ava Baltas, Kiera Liew, Xiangting Peng, Chiara Setjadiningrat, Noreen Nocom
Learning Support Officer Iris Zhao
Homeroom Teacher Lydia loannidis
Head of Joigny Janine Hogan
Row 3 Margaret Taoum, Ceanna Parreno, Abigail Young, Anvi Vysyaraju, Jinyu Xu, Abbey Kohinga
Row 2 Janine Hogan, Melissa Wang, Leona Xu, Indiana Hutchinson, Peggy Saville, Rochelle Francis, Emily Strickland, Bella Aranda, Iris Zhao
Front Row Annabelle Ly, Sophia Rees, Emma Robinson, Natasha Asimenias, Ruby Lacorte, Grace Marshall, Annuska Park, Ivy Manley, Esther Chalikias
Learning Support Officer Iris Zhao
Homeroom Teacher Bella Aranda
Head of Joigny Janine Hogan
Soosairajah
2 Janine Hogan, Ava Hall, Emily Hu, Abbey Camilleri, Abbey Morris, Dharma Rodrigues, Robyn Bickers, Kelly Far
Front Row
Lillianna Buckley, Eleanor Palmer, Sophie Haines, Amelie Curtis, Harper Murphy, Ella Zanlunghi, Madeleine O'Donnell, Esther Su, Elizabeth Holzoder
Learning Support Officer Kelly Fav Homeroom Teacher Robyn Bickers
Head of Joigny Janine Hogan
Row 3
Tashia Perera, Chloe Pentony, Charlotte Wang, Siyu Cherie Cham, Victoria Sardellis, Emily Ffrench, Elise Pedic
Row 2 Janine Hogan, Cynthia Che, Kristen Silva, Alexandra Contessotto, Siena Stamatelos, Grace Lewis, Michelle Kalus, Julia Stevens
Front Row
Sophie Latch, Isabelle Mifsud, Grace Orbell, Ava Johnson, Amelia Hemingway, Alyssa Yeung, Emily Harrison, Sasha Rosalie, Amelie Kavouris
Homeroom Teachers Michelle Kalus, Julia Stevens
Head of Joigny Janine Hogan
"Sacred Heart Day was an astonishing day as I got to spend the day with my friends. I will cherish Year 6 forever! " — Cherie
"Year 6 was definitely a journey to remember! I will always look at my leadership badge and remember all the memories I have made in Joigny." — Cynthia
"Representing Sac by playing Mario Kart was so amazing! After placing 4th out of 64, I felt a sense of accomplishment!"
— Alexandra
"I loved tree surfing at Camp. Even though it was scary being so high up, I really enjoyed inching my way along the course." — Emily F
"Wicked! I loved experiencing it with all my friends and sharing the joy of musicals." — Emily Harrison
"Cross Country districts were a blast. To this day I still think of the massive grin on my face when I finished my races." — Amelia H
"Year 6 was a blast! GSV Athletics was my highlight when I got 3rd in long jump and in 100m. I felt so proud! "— Ava J
"I absolutely loved tree surfing at Camp! Completing each level and then going on a big zip line. I’m going to miss it a lot, so many memories made". — Amelie
"District Soccer was my highlight, Sacré Cœur came fourth. We had so much fun wearing our soccer uniforms with pride." — Sophie L
"Music is my life and getting to go away for 3 days and play music with my friends is why I loved Music Camp." — Grace L
"Snorkelling at Camp was so much fun. I had a blast diving down with my friends, looking for fish and just splashing around." — Isabelle
"So many opportunities and so many good times we’ve had. I competed in Hurdles, 100m, 200m & Hurdles at District Athletics. Year 6 was wonderful!" — Grace O
"Wicked was amazing, I loved organising it. Everybody enjoyed Wicked so much and I’m so glad I made it happen." — Elise
"Athletic’s Day was amazing. I won 3rd place overall in Year 6, I felt really proud of my achievement." — Chloe
"I swam Freestyle in the Backstroke race at the Swimming Carnival. I was so embarrassed, and all my friends were just laughing." — Tashia
"Year 6 was full of excitement. My favourite moment was when we saw Wicked as a class. I felt very upset when I thought it was over, but then I realised it was intermission." — Sasha
"Year 6 has been one of my favourite years; making new friendships at Camp, Wicked the musical, becoming a leader, Aerobics and more! "— Victoria
"Representing Sac in Year 6 at Districtics was a pleasure. Winning and making it through to Divisions was my favourite thing." — Kristen
"Competing at District Athletics was a blast, especially having friends to cheer me on. I certainly will remember this year and every amazing moment from it." — Charlotte
"I will never forget District Soccer. We placed fourth but I still shared joy with my friends, Chelsea Y and Sophie L assisting and scoring goals." — Alyssa
"Wicked was astonishing. The acting, the singing and the musical itself was stunning." — Chelsea
"Year 6 was full of wonderful memories but I will never forget GSV Athletics or surfing at Camp. I will always remember Year 6 and the fun I had." — Yianna
"Year 6 was my favourite year! I was honoured to participate in the Ignatian Leadership Conference. Even if that meant that I had to go on a plane far from home. I made new friendships and stepped out of my comfort zone." — Lillianna
"Year 6 was THE ! Especially Camp! Watching my friends surf, snorkel and tree surf was so good and I loved participating too! "— Eloise
"Year 6 was a wonderful journey. It was filled with fantastic experiences such as GSV, Districts and Camp. Running Book Week was a phenomenal experience, but creating new friendships was my favourite part." — Abbey C
"I really enjoyed Book Week. Everyone was so creative with their costumes. My favourite part of Book Week was the dance because of the cool music and dancing with my friends!" — Amelie C
"Year 6 has been an amazing year! One of my favourite memories was the Ignatian Leadership Conference where I made many new friends and learnt new skills." — Annie
"I made some of my best memories in Year 6; especially Sacred Heart Day when I got to hang out with my friends and share lollies". — Katie
"Year 6 was extraordinary. My highlight was the Ignatian Conference. I loved staying up with my friends, playing games and eating delicious food. It was an experience I will never forget." — Sophie
"Year 6 was amazing! I will remember all the friends and memories I made and when we all burst out laughing trying to surf on Year 6 Camp!" — Ava H
"We loved District Athletics and we screamed and cheered for Sacré Cœur. We tried our best and met new people from other schools. We had gummy snakes for our hard work. It was so much fun!" — Lizzy
"This year at SAC I was a new student at a new school. I knew, no one. But the Year 6 cohort was such a friendly community that I fitted right in. I made some of my fondest memories and made friends I will never forget." — Emily Hu
"My favourite memory of Year 6 was the Ignatian Leadership Conference. I loved making new friends and laughing together. Three days passed all too quickly!" — Clarabelle
"I came in Term 2 and everyone was so kind and supportive. I loved it when I came back from Naracoorte Equestrian,
because I represented Sac in the Combined, and everyone said I would do well." — London
"Year 6 was amazing! Being a Sacred Heart Leader was what I enjoyed the most because I got to help others and do jobs like Project Compassion, help organise Prep-3 lunch orders and Potato Olympics." — Ella L
"Year 6 was the greatest year of my school journey. My favourite memory by far was definitely surfing at Camp, Trying to hold hands with my friends on the board and racing to shore. I loved Year 6." — Abbey M
"I have made lots of great friends this year. My favourite thing about Year 6 was being a House leader for Duchesne because I love teaching the younger students chants and having fun together." — Harper
"I have made a load of memories. An example of this was Music Camp when Ms Roberts gave chocolates to the Year 6’s. Delicious! "— Maddie
"Year 6 was amazing! I made so many beautiful memories. A highlight for me was the Ignatian Conference as I had the best time. I made many new friends and built my confidence." — Gigi
"Year 6 has been a milestone for me. My favourite part of the year was going to the Ignatian Leadership Conference. I also remember how fast my heart was beating when I was told I was a Public Speaking Leader." — Eleanor
"Year 6 was a blast! I remember eagerly awaiting my future leadership position. My main highlight was the Ignatian Conference in Adelaide. I made lots of friends and met many new people." — Dharma
"I loved spending time with my friends this year. We made many fun memories at Camp, Wicked and on Sacred Heart Day. My favourite part of the Camp was the surfing and when I couldn’t stop!" — Vithusha
"Year 6 was full of exciting memories. One of my favourites was when the teachers announced our leadership roles. I was happy when I got the Arts Leader! I loved GSV Soccer, we got to play as a team and I had lots of fun! "— Esther
"I had lots of fun in Year 6. My favourite activities were all the different Sports during the year. Camp was also exciting and I had so much fun. I am now ready for Year 7." — Ella Z
Year 6
Lucinda Williams
The Very Hungry Year 7
(As told by Lucinda Williams, Year 7 Coordinator)
In the light of a bright January morning, the grand Sacré Cœur gates opened, and the very tiny Year 7s arrived. Blazers too big, some dresses too long, and socks pulled as high as they’d go—they were ready (sort of) to begin their Secondary School journey.
But their Year 7 Coordinator, Mrs. Williams quickly discovered something: these girls were VERY hungry —for knowledge, new skills, adventure, activities, and, of course, friendships.
In February, they got lost
The timetable was a mystery, the classrooms were a maze, and the staircases may as well have been from Hogwarts.
One student was even overheard saying, “I swear they move—I always end up somewhere different!”
Another stood directly under the sign for Room S03 and asked, “Where on earth is S03?”
Still, they smiled brightly and insisted, “We’re fine!”
But they were still hungry.
In March, they went on camp to Kinglake
They pedalled their hearts out on mountain bikes, conquered fears on the Leap of Faith, and swore—hand on heart—that there was absolutely NO cabin visiting, bed swapping, or latenight loud talking.
(For the record, Mrs. Williams and Miss Downton absolutely did not spend 45 minutes in the dark looking for one lost Croc in a garden bed. And of course, no one brought a phone on camp. Definitely not.)
By the end of camp, they were muddy, tired, and full of stories they denied ever happened.
But they were still hungry.
In April, they forgot their locker combinations
“Mrs Williams, it’s definitely this code!”
“No, it must be broken!”
“Someone else locked my locker!”
“The Year 9s did it!”
And when the lock finally opened:
“I swear I didn’t leave that apple in there!”
Mrs. Williams spent most afternoons rescuing forgotten books, squished sandwiches, and at least one very lonely sock from the depths of the Locker Room.
But they were still hungry.
In May, they joined everything Netball, Debating, Choir, Orchestra—you name it, they signed up. One even requested a Hermione Granger-style time-turner to fit it all in.
Homework may have “slipped their minds,” but there was always time for Locker Room shenanigans with flying coloured blocks, impromptu Just Dance routines, and a few cheeky Homeroom pranks.
But they were still hungry.
In June, the lift passes began
One sprained her ankle in PE. Another tripped on her shoelace. One fell off a bed, and someone even managed to hurt herself carrying an extremely heavy backpack.
By mid-year, nearly every Year 7 had required a lift pass. Mrs. Williams seriously considered charging for these lift passes.
But they were still hungry.
In July, the locker room buzzed
Not with excitement, but with mobile phones. Ping! Snapchat.
Bzzz! TikTok. Ring! Ring! Ring!
“Phones OFF, girls!” Mrs. Williams said for the 363rd time. The girls nodded sweetly, smiled, and… forgot all over again.
But they were still hungry.
In August, they stressed over tests
“What if I fail?!” they cried. “Will this go on my report?!”
“Will my parents see these scores?”
Cue tears, frantic highlighter use, and last-minute study sessions in Homeroom. Then the results came in.
“See?” Mrs. Williams said. “I told you you’d be fine!”
But they were still hungry.
In September, the Locker Room was a mess
Bags in classrooms, folders everywhere, and lockers that looked like time capsules of chaos. One student had filled hers with pictures of Friedrich from The Sound of Music.
(Fun fact: The Sound of Music was filmed in 1965, and Friedrich is now 75 years old!)
Mrs. Williams became the unofficial lost-and-found keeper, often muttering, “Really, Caitlin?” and “Again, Jessie!”
But they were still hungry.
In October, they performed in 'The Lorax'
From auditions to rehearsals, they gave it their all.
The final show was spectacular: brilliant acting, costumes, and singing.
Backstage? Chaos. “I’ve lost my thneed!” “Where’s the makeup for the Brown Bar-ba-loots?!” “What’s my next line?!”
But on stage? Pure magic.
But they were still hungry.
In November, they became almost grown up Blazers finally fitted, dresses were a little too short, and they could even find Room S03 without asking.
They smiled with confidence, laughed with friends, and tackled the final term like pros.
But they were still hungry.
By December, the tiny Year 7s had transformed They had survived tests, productions, sporting events, and camp. They had navigated friendships, lessons, and the occasionally chaotic Locker Room.
Like caterpillars turning into butterflies, they were ready to spread their wings… as Year 8s.
Mrs. Williams, on the other hand? She took a deep breath, retrieved one last forgotten lunchbox, and braced herself for the next batch of very hungry Year 7s. She will miss the Year 7s of 2024 terribly!
My first year of Senior School was so much fun; going on Camp, participating in Arts Fest, the Music Concert and many other events have made Year 7 such a memorable experience for me.
I remember coming to School on my first day of Year 7 and being nervous and shy. I knew the people who had been in Year 6 with me last year, but there was a whole lot of new girls milling around who were as scared as I was. I eventually found my way to a group that I knew, and we talked for a bit as we walked into the Hall. Finding out which Homeroom I was in was fun, and I was so excited about who my teacher was and who my classmates were. The first few days after that were chaos; not having all my books with me, not knowing where my classes were and settling into the homework rhythm. But soon after, everything felt like it had fallen into place and that I was getting used to my classes and my new freedoms and responsibilities.
Some of my favourite events this year definitely have to be Arts Fest, Camp and the Music Concert.
Arts Fest was amazing; I enjoyed every rehearsal and costume change. It was fun being competitive with my friends and even though Stuart didn’t win, I still had the best time.
Camp was so much fun; arriving in King Lake and getting our cabins was exciting as well as the people we would be sharing the experience with. I loved doing the Free Fall and the Tree Surfing; it was exhilarating being that far off the ground. The meals were also one of my favourite parts as there were multiple dinners and deserts.
The Music Concert was also a great experience, especially doing the Year 7 item. The song chosen for us had been meticulously practised so we could step onto the stage and know exactly what we were doing.
Overall, I have enjoyed Year 7 immensely and will have good memories of this year that will stick with me for the rest of my school life.
3 Aarna
Row 2
Front Row
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Lucinda Williams, Maya Weerakoon, Elizabeth Phillips, Vhrinda Jain, Georgia Outhred, Elke English, Lucia Castillo, Erin Clements
Alison Kubik, Georgie Sprekos, Alana Crawford, Nikki Eagle, Eva Riordan-Robinson, Olivia Zeng, Harper Che, Amelia Gomez
Erin Clements
Lucinda Williams
Row 3
Row 2
Holly Gleeson, Edie Nichols, Sienna Jamsek, Sophie Duck, Danika Rodrigues, Sophia Zhang
Lucinda Williams, Youxi Yu, Charlotte Martin, Lulu Move, Ella Goldsworthy, Beatrix Markwick, Diva Ganesh Sundar, Monika Meszaros
Front Row Olivia Beanland, Zoe Kokovitis, Asher Connaughton, Meleri Leonard, Sophie Gomez, Mila Haussegger, Jin Sun, Eleni Zervoudakis
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Monika Meszaros
Lucinda Williams
Lucinda Williams
Giuliana Lombardi
The Year 8 students have had an extraordinary year, filled with challenges, growth and moments of joy, all under the theme of “Perseverance and Personal Excellence”. This year was not just about academic progress but also about shaping character, building resilience and developing a deeper understanding of the world around them. From enriching programs and activities to inspiring pastoral sessions, the Year 8s have embraced every opportunity for personal growth.
Pastoral sessions exposed the Year 8s to a variety of experiences that supported their social and emotional growth. Through Study Skills sessions with Elevate Education, they learned how to manage their time effectively and develop skills essential for future academic success. The Youth Engagement Project and Elephant Ed emphasised the significance of language and healthy relationships, equipping students with the tools to navigate social challenges. A particularly memorable moment was when the Year 12 cohort opened their Common Room doors to share wisdom from their own Year 8 journeys. This mentorship occasion fostered a sense of connection across year levels and gave students valuable insights into how to navigate the challenges of adolescence and their studies. The presentation with Xavier Diaz, from the Youth Warner Foundation, on alcohol and vaping made a significant impact. The discussion provided students with strategies to make informed decisions when faced with peer pressure and challenging situations, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and resilience. The importance of wise decision-making was also echoed in Elephant Ed’s “Safe Partying” session, in which students asked insightful and thoughtful questions.
One of the year’s highlights was the City Cite Program which immersed students in the diverse cultural, social and economic aspects of Melbourne. This Program is designed to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and experience the city through fresh perspectives. They gained valuable insights into the complexities of urban life, learned about individual responsibility and developed empathy for different communities. Through hands-on learning and exploration, the City Cite Program taught students how to engage meaningfully with their surroundings, highlighting the perseverance it takes to navigate and understand the world beyond the classroom.
The Year 8 cohort continued to impress with their commitment to the School’s Co-curricular Programs. The Music Concert was an outstanding showcase of personal excellence. Students displayed their musical talents, whether through instrumental performances, vocal displays or ensemble pieces. The Concert was a testament to the hard work, dedication and hours of practice the students invested. The experience of performing with their peers also strengthened bonds and taught valuable lessons about collaboration and teamwork.
In the Dramatic Arts, students took part in a performance of 'The Lorax', a play that was not only entertaining but also conveyed important messages about environmental stewardship. The students’ commitment to rehearsals and their ability to convey the play’s powerful themes were a reflection of their dedication to personal excellence.
Throughout 2024, the Year 8s also shone in Debating and GSV Sports. In Debating, they sharpened their critical thinking and public speaking skills, learning to articulate their thoughts confidently. It wasn’t always easy, but they persevered through tough topics. On the sports field, the GSV students completed training sessions, games and some even made it to finals. Whether they won or lost, they learned the importance of pushing their limits and striving for excellence, embodying the theme of the year.
This year, the Year 8 students embraced the focus goal of developing "A personal and active faith in God." By setting meaningful goals, supporting one another and facing challenges head-on, they cultivated resilience and confidence, embodying the values of perseverance and personal growth. Their collective efforts reflected a commitment not only to their faith but also to making a positive impact; demonstrating how purpose-driven action can lead to both personal achievement and a greater sense of community.
Thank you to our outstanding Homeroom teachers, Ms Mutsaers, Mr Kruger, Ms Maxwell and Ms Lowinger, for their unwavering support and dedication to the Year 8 cohort. I am personally most grateful for our excellent team.
As the Year 8s look to Year 9, they can be confident that their Year 8 journey was one of growth, discovery and pushing of personal boundaries. Every activity and challenge, from academic to social, helped shape them into more resilient, thoughtful individuals ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Row 3
Row 2
Front Row
Evie Loetje, Alice Dunckley, Natasha Moraan, Esther Colvey, Ivy Foster, Zoe Murray, Phoebe Maccarone, Angeliaue Vorilas
Giuliana Lombardi, Scarlet Chong, Vivienne Merry, Rebecca Androutsopoulos, Carrington Gee, Saoirse Meek, Eliza Hagan, Yifei Lu, Kylie Mutsaers
Victoria Precious, Tiasha Karunatunga, Skye-Bella Thieu, Grace Muller, Marina Asimenias, Alexandra Siracusa, Maria Manukyan, Maya Hall
Absent Alice Davies
Homeroom Teacher
Kylie Mutsaers
Year Level Co-ordinator Giuliana Lombardi
Row 3
Row 2
Sophie Riddell, Alanna Kokkinos, Cullan Barnacle, Holly Trbanc, Hope McKay, Alexandra Edmonds, Ciara Savedra
Giuliana Lombardi, Isabella O' Donnell, Darby Wono, Livia Visio, Tessa Stamatelos, Chloe Moss, Keela Diaia, Carl Kruger
Front Row Sofia Di Carlo, Zoe Pedic, Annabelle Gloag, Jessica Roberts, Katelin Fakira, Maisy Graves, Ivy Robinson, Amelia Ho
Absent Angelene Chakravarthi, Jiawen Li
Homeroom Teacher
Carl Kruger
Year Level Co-ordinator Giuliana Lombardi
3 Cate Deavton, Ellie
Kate Gilmour
Row 2
Giuliana Lombardi, Constance Tana, Otelia Laffy, Weini Pena, Madeline Teal, Hannah Williams, Caitlin Allen, Felicity Maxwell Front Row Amy Franke, Evelyn Kerr, Noelle Manfre, Phoebe Wilson, Scarlett Linck, Allegra Chiaravalle, Eugenia Chieng, Grace Petrides, Flor De Francisco Gaidol
Homeroom Teacher Felicity Maxwell
Year Level Co-ordinator Giuliana Lombardi
Row 3 Amelia Moss Charlotte Arizanov Alice Boulton Srika Nuvvala Imogen Bracken Juliet Gribble Mia Roberts Charlotte Ffrench
Row 2 Giuliana Lombardi, Tyleigh Goncalves, Sophie Wetuschat, Madeleine Fanning, Lily Marshall, Samara Ray, Mietta Randabel, Elise Sheh, Rachel Lowinger
Front Row Celeste Mifsud, Isla Recupero, Rhythm Modi, Lily Goode, Sabrina Porto, Vanya Gupta, Zoe Ramrai, Eva Cahill, Alice Gao
Homeroom Teacher Rachel Lowinger
Year Level Co-ordinator Giuliana Lombardi
It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.
This year, our Year 9 motto encouraged each student to focus on their growth, emphasising how they can shape their futures with their choices, regardless of their starting point. Throughout 2024, students have learnt that they have agency in creating their individual identity which is determined through their actions and decisions.
There have been many opportunities for our Year 9s to grow personally and academically. Pastoral sessions, in particular, have focused on personal development, giving students different strategies to support their wellbeing. Notably, the Year 9s pushed themselves out of their comfort zone when they took part in the Surf Carnival at Torquay, engaged in the Collaborative Program with St Kevin’s and Loreto, and embraced adventure at the Anglesea, Marysville and Canberra camps.
The academic growth of the Year 9 cohort has been fostered through the much-anticipated Notre Monde Program. Every Year 9 took part in eight different Notre Monde electives across four rotations. Not only has this allowed them to work with students beyond their Homerooms; they have been able to become lawyers, economists, chefs, performers, podcasters and forensic scientists. Additionally, each Year 9 student has learnt the importance of social justice outreach and caring for our wider community through the compulsory Notre Monde unit ‘Call to Justice.’ All were involved in community projects, with each rotation culminating in a unique fundraiser for the McAuley Women’s Shelter that
supports women and children who have faced family violence and homelessness.
The ANZNET exchanges were another exciting aspect of Year 9 for many. This Program provided a special opportunity to connect with peers from our partner schools and to experience a different way of schooling. Similarly, a number of students participated in the Virtual Collaboration Program attending weekly online sessions in which they met with students from our international partner schools.
It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of each and every Year 9 student this year. Whilst Year 9 can be a challenging time of transition, what has stood out most this year is the fun and positivity that this cohort has brought to everything. Whether it was in the classroom or during their co-curricular activities, their energy was contagious and they have come together cohesively.
Thank you to our fantastic Homeroom teachers: Ms Stone, Mr Fisher, Ms Lovallo, Ms Latch, Ms McDermott and Ms Carroll. This dedicated team has supported all our students as they navigated Year 9.
Finally, thank you to the Year 9 cohort. Thank you for this year and for the impact you have had on me. Watching you grow, face challenges and support one another has been incredibly inspiring. Your energy and resilience have made this year a joy, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for each of you. As you step into Year 10, remember to stay true to yourselves and know that you have the potential to achieve incredible things.
Row 3 Ruby McLean, Sylvie Bernard, Ella Rebello, Olivia Meszaros, Alice Westblade, Sophie Piasente
Row 2
Front Row
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Megan Carter, Elise Hunt, Arabella Kerr, Chiara Gleeson, Ingrid Piva, Amelia Harris Sophie Barbey, Sharleen Stone
Olivia Pennicott, Lea Sacco, Gemma Psyhogios, Joanne Liacopoulos, Rose Davies, Alexandra Dimos-Foundas, Annaliese O'Donnell, Ashriya Kumar
Sharleen Stone
Megan Carter
Row 3
Row 2
Front Row
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Emily Rimmer, Anouk Enalish, Lily Henderson, Laura Seiz, Evelyn Menelaws, Stephanie Alexander
Megan Carter, Janella Iramivan, Jiah Singh, Tianxin Cai, Lucy Ambrosini, Rachel Mullaver, Charlotte Robinson
Jennifer Fredericks, Linaya Jayasuriya, Maisie Brown, Sophie Quinlan Allegra Lawson, llaria Carni, Angelin Tiong, Juliette Farlecas
Silvana Lovallo (Absent)
Megan Carter
Daiah
Nhariah Tran
Year Level Co-ordinator Megan Carter
Danielle Carroll
Year Level Co-ordinator Megan Carter
Claudia Ohlert
In Year 10, our guiding motto was "One Day? Or Day One?"—a powerful call to action that encouraged students to focus on their independence, initiative and accountability. This was especially pertinent as Year 10 marks the time when students transition into senior secondary years and start to consider their futures beyond the gates of Burke Road.
One of the standout events of 2024 was our International Women’s Day Breakfast. This annual event was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but also a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. The theme this year was “Inspire Inclusion”. We heard from a number of remarkable women from our own community, including Remy Stewart, about what inclusion means to them. It was wonderful to see so many Year 10s involved in preparing the event and many more in attendance alongside their mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other significant women.
The Work Experience Program at the end of Term 2 was another highlight, providing our students with invaluable real-world insights and practical skills. Led by Cathy Greenaway, the initiative allowed students to step out of the classroom and immerse themselves in various professional environments. From local businesses to larger organizations, including hospitals and AFL clubs, the experiences were as diverse as they were enlightening. Students gained first-hand knowledge about different career paths, developed a stronger sense of their own interests and aspirations and enhanced their professional skills. The feedback from both students and employers has been overwhelmingly positive and assisted students in bridging the gap between academic learning and career readiness.
Complementing our Work Experience Program, the Careers Breakfast was a valuable event that connected students with alumnae now studying and working in a range of industries. This event provided a platform for students to explore a range of career options, gain insights from those who have navigated various career paths and ask questions about their futures. The presence of successful women from diverse
fields showcased the breadth of opportunities available and inspired students to think ambitiously about their own career goals. Many thanks to Cathy Greenaway, Kirsten Lam and Pauline Steedman for the support of their Year 10 students as they consider pathways into VCE and beyond.
Our Pastoral Program is a cornerstone of our School’s commitment to the holistic development of our students. This year, as in the past, the Program continued to support the emotional and social development of our Year 10s. Through workshops, whole year-level initiatives and class activities, students were encouraged to explore their character strengths, develop positive stress management strategies and build their interpersonal and leadership skills. Helping guide the students' personal development was our dedicated Year 10 Pastoral Team —Engin Eryilmaz, Richard Dowling, Sam Pang, Jess Clarke, Kriss Brenners and Sophie Fraser. A highlight in Pastoral for students and staff alike was our Term 3 Year 10 Olympics. This included a range of physical and mental challenges that required effective teamwork, communication skills and a little bit of luck. Whether it was the impressive throws of straw javelin, the wordplay needed to solve rebus puzzles, or the terrifying penalty shoot-out, it was rewarding to see each Homeroom unite to achieve a common goal. Congratulations to 10B on winning the most gold medals and showing effective collaboration and camaraderie.
Other highlights for Year 10 students included the Xavier and St Kevin’s Dancing Program, Camp and the Model UN Conference.
It is clear, that 2024 has been marked by a collective commitment to growth as both learners and people who forged connections with one another. As we move forward, I encourage the Year 10 students to carry this momentum into their VCE years and make sure every day is an opportunity for “Day One”.
Row 3
Row 2
Front Row
Helena Berry, Zara Gaiardo, Ella Rossney, Alexandra Merry, Lucy Stanley
Claudia Ohlert, Sienna Lucas, Jayla Hanily, Luella Cain, Eleni Dimos-Foundas, Charlotte Aranda, Engin Ervilmaz
Alessandra Baldeschi-Lane, Ava Williams, Matilda Marshall, Louisa Tulloch, Olive Whitford, Freya Smythe, Annie Wu, Sasha Mansfield r Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Engin Eryilmaz
Claudia Ohlert
Row 3 Remy Stewart, Henrietta Smith, Gabriella Bancovich, Siena Clavdon, Sienna Oborne
Row 2
Claudia Ohlert, Sienna Walker, Freyid Markwick, Niamh Farrell, Elsa John-Claus, Sam Pang
Front Row Abbey Price, Zara McSweeney, Matilda Marsan, Lexie Eagle, Kya Candappa, Mia Micallef, Mollie Dollman, Keira Robinson
Absent Chloe Templeton
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Sam Pang
Claudia Ohlert
Front
Homeroom Teacher
Nayeli Vithanage,
Jessica Clarke
Year Level Co-ordinator Claudia Ohlert
Front
Alexandra
Caitlin Haines
Homeroom Teacher Kriss Brenners
Year Level Co-ordinator Claudia Ohlert
Fiona Morse
The ‘Year 11 Era’ started at a frantic pace, along with much excitement about the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Melbourne and Sydney. Irrelevant whether you were a bona fide “Swiftie” or not, it was hard not to get swept up in the phenomenon and this sense of fun and engagement continued to typify the cohort. Whether it was their participation in the House Arts Festival, Debating, GSV, various ensembles, Choir and many other co-curricular activities - they were all in.
Our 2024 Focus Goal of "A Personal and Active Faith in God" was represented by the theme Let your light shine. This was symbolised by the lighting of the Homeroom candle every Friday morning. The theme truly came alive during both the Blue Ribbon Leadership Program and our conference with St. Kevin’s. The articulate and thoughtful discussions our students engaged in—addressing relevant and sometimes challenging issues—while listening to and appreciating diverse perspectives, were truly impressive. Finally, Sacred Heart Day beautifully captured the spirit of this year level. The fun they had whilst cooking the barbeque and the energy at the Silent Disco were palpable to anyone who passed by.
The Year 11 Formal, following the Semester 1 examinations, is always a highlight. The build-up is big, quite often bigger than the actual event itself, and there is often a sense of
relief when it is over (particularly from the staff and parents). That being said, this event is important as it strengthens year level bonds and creates cherished memories for the most important people at school: our students.
It has been a wonderfully rewarding experience for all involved with the 2024 Year 11 cohort. Subject teachers spoke regularly, both in and outside of the classroom, about their enjoyment of teaching the group. They also appreciated the informal interactions that occur during day to day school life. A further example of this has been during the Year 11 Active Lifestyle lessons where the year level participated in casual walks. These walking opportunities provided highly entertaining conversations, lots of laughter as well as a great opportunity for students and Homeroom teachers to engage.
I must take a moment to acknowledge our dedicated Year 11 Homeroom teachers: Ms Finningan, Mr Chris Anderson, Ms Kellie Sewell and Mr Elliot Tench. A special mention goes to Ms. Kennelly for joining the team in Term 3. Their investment in their role as a Homeroom teacher has been first class.
To the group: I encourage all of you to maintain your sense of fun, high level of engagement, drive and focus. Remember, it’s all about riding the bumps along the way and embracing the journey ahead. Next year you will be the leaders of the School and, in the words of Taylor Swift, “Are you ready for it?”
Row 3
Row 2
Front Row
Camille Demathieu, Claudia Chapman, Emma Small, Grace Bracken, Alice Percey, Lucy Bowden, Lily Cornish
Megan Finnigan, Elle Ktenas, Paras Grizos, Bethany Coombes, Lucy Alexander, Grace Zhu, Fiona Morse
Mary-Jane Hudson, Saptha Ginnige, Ella Cosgrave, Amelia Pace, Isla Baxter, Sophie Grey, Angela Murphy, Rebecca Moore
Absent Macy Macdonnell
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Megan Finnigan
Fiona Morse
Row 3
Row 2
Alicia Coburn, Maya Jorgensen, Azella Hall, Phoebe Manning, Ella Robinson, Ava Frigo, Alice Carroll
Chris Anderson, Carla Merenda, Jazmine Marven, Esther Pound, Chloe Foster, Eva Doulgeridis, Alaina Rigas, Fiona Morse
Front Row Cleo Wilson, Eve Chalikias Leni Paten, Tehya Murray, Isabella Chavarria, Betty Huang, Chiara Farlecas, Charlotte Fanning
Absent Penelope Pitcher
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Chris Anderson
Fiona Morse
Row 3 Alessia Catalano, Amélie Dean, Mia Messer, Claudia Smith, Nuo Xu, Ilaria Byrden, Annie Zang
Row 2 Kellie Sewell, Amandi Karivawasam, Alyssa Whateler, Chloe Pickering, Lovella Simpson, Livinia Sheridan, Kate Chan, Fiona Morse
Front Row
Isabella Benvenuto, Olivia Field, Bridget Slattery, Jasmine Beveridge, Amari Gonsalvez, Jemima Chippindall, Annie Nie, Sofia Longo
Absent Michaela Rodrigues
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Kellie Sewell
Fiona Morse
Row 3 Marcella Setiawan, Nelum De Silva, Remy Spear, Charlotte Boves, Olivia Rodriquez, Charla Crips, Sienna Merenda
Row 2 Elliot Tench, Teri Raouzeos, Caitlin Artemas, Amy Ramrai, Jemima Boulton, Freya Bazley, Alana Crawford, Fiona Morse
Front Row Roderina Chua, Dewi Millie, Gabriela Castillo, Isabella Pennicott, Lily Farlow, Hayley Brinkworth, Micaela Chee
Absent Grace Curran
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Elliot Tench
Fiona Morse
Anna Straford
As we celebrate the graduating class of 2024 at Sacré Cœur, we are reminded of the remarkable journey that has led these students to this milestone moment. From the first day they walked through our doors, whether it was the 11 Joigny students who began here in Prep with curiosity and anticipation or those students who joined the School this year, this cohort has reached their final year filled with accomplishments, cherished memories and the embodiment of the spirit of ‘Cor Unum’.
Year 12 comes with all the challenges and hard work expected of the final year of school, yet the top floor of the McGuiness building always resonated with a healthy balance of concerted learning and fun. This group of Year 12s has navigated their individual and collective challenges with determination and supported one another through periods of uncertainty and change, forming bonds that will last a lifetime. Their achievements, whether in the classroom, on the stage, the sports field or in service to the community, are a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The class of 2024 has also shown exceptional leadership, setting an example for younger students and leaving a legacy that will inspire future Year 12s. Their contributions to school traditions (who can forget the Haunted House on Sacred Heart Day?), innovative ideas and willingness to lift those around them, have made a significant impact on the heart of our School Community. We will not forget quickly their enthusiasm, their creativity and their conclusion.
As these students prepare to step into the world beyond Sacré Cœur, they are equipped with the values that have been nurtured throughout their education: personal faith, love of learning, service, building community and developing
wise freedom. While they will embark on diverse paths, from university studies to artistic pursuits and various careers, we know they carry with them the courage and confidence to face whatever comes their way.
To the graduating class of 2024: We celebrate you, we honour your journey, and we look forward to seeing all the incredible ways you will make a difference in the world. Congratulations on this momentous achievement! You will always be part of the Sacré Cœur legacy, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of you.
Finally, dear Class of 2024, never forget that each of you is worthy of respect and love - surround yourself with those who allow you to be who you truly are and always emulate hope.
Ruby Cornish
"Respectfully."
"I'm not a child anymore, I'm tall enough to reach for the stars" — Fleetwood
"This is life before you know who you’re going to be" — Taylor Swift
"You know, I've realized that I'm probably just perfect, and it's everybody else around me that's got issues." — Scott Disick
"But at nighttime, when there was nothing to do and the house was all empty… I’d always think about Genny" — Forrest Gump
"Just don’t do anything stupid for your year 12 quote." — My mum
"I am way too sleep-deprived to deal with your negativity right now." — Jake Peralta
"Drink some green tea my seesta, it will be alright." — Azealia Banks
"Overall had a mint time." — IDEAL! X
"Once you grow up, you can't come back!" — Peter Pan
"How strange it is to be anything at all." — christalbot450
"All I want to do is just stay home and eat chips" —
"Once I get out of those doors, it’s beast mode" — Scott Disick
"“There’s a sun around the bend." — Eddie Vedder
"There’s a lot of baggage that comes with us, but it’s like Louis Vuitton baggage; you always want it." — Kim K
Anna Straford, Lennix Pedruco, Ruby Cornish, Aanwita
Lauren O' Sullivan Emily Cedro
Front Row Marissa Chalikouras, Ruby Wallis, Phoebe Hayes, Chilli
Satoko Hashimoto
Homeroom Teacher Emily Cedro
Year Level Co-ordinator Anna Straford
Holly Ryan, Grace
Sophie
"It’s not that deep."
"I’m really hoping they have choir at university"
ya
"Don’t even worry about it" — The Next Step
"Crushed it." — Fat
"Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved." —
The Pooh
"My vibe right now is just living life." —
"Why was I always late to School?
I never slept. Night was when the city needed me most. I was in the shadows fighting crime and serving justice, all before the break of dawn."
"It's hard not to find it all a little bittersweet." — Taylor Swift
"If only changing my grades was as easy as changing my hair colour."
"I’m gonna go get one of those job things" — Rachel Green (Friends)
"I just cry sometimes, it’s no big deal." — Mackenzie
"The less you care the happier you’ll be." — Kanye West
"I would like to thank my bed for always being there for me when I didn’t want to go to school.”
"We did it!” " — Dora the Explorer
"With all due respect, sometimes no respect is due." — SZA
"And ain’t no limit when I might shine, might grind." — Kendrick Lamar
Lara Interdonato
"I'm going to Mount Dillon."
Elizabeth Marshall
"I AM OEDIPUS..." — Erin Clements
Absent Rythma
Homeroom Teacher Maria La Torre Year Level Co-ordinator Anna Straford
"I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days, before you’ve actually left them." — Andy Bernard
"If there’s a will, there’s a way. If I can use quillbot, there’s an A!”
"Aimlessly gazing at the faces in the queue and we're struggling with the notion that it's life, not film."
— Arctic Monkeys
"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
— Winnie the Pooh
"While none of the work we do is very important, it is important that we do a great deal of it."
— Joseph Heller (Catch-22)
"You’re entitled to your wrong opinion" — Dr Holly Fraiser
"I just want to get out of here and go to my bed." — Khloe Kardashian
Stephanie Androutsopoulos
"I cheat at wordle." — Ryan Reynolds
Emily Callinan
"People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day."
— Winnie the Pooh
Francesca Hanlon
"It’s been magical but I’m done." — Khloe Kardashian
Chloe Kirkwood
"Mama always said, 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know if you are gonna graduate.'" — Forrest Gump
Rose Augello
Lexie Branagan
"Writing’s not that easy." — Grammarly
Stephanie Dimos-Foundas
"I'm gonna look back on my life and say that I enjoyed it – and I lived it for me.” — Rihanna
Isobel Hartridge
"Ivy" — Frank Ocean 0:48
"Anyways, don't be a stranger" — Phoebe Bridges
"A little nervous breakdown can really work wonders for a girl." — Rory Gilmore
"They say all good things come to an end, but we seem to forget that all bad things do too."
"One day your life will flash in front of your eyes, make sure it's worth watching." — Gerard Way
"It’s one of those moments when everything is so perfect and so wonderful, that you almost feel sad because nothing could ever be this good again." — Gilmore Girls
Anna Liacopoulos
"I put my grades up for adoption because I couldn’t raise them."
Absent Francesca Hanlon
Homeroom Teacher
Year Level Co-ordinator
Amelia
"Where my hug at?"
Andrea Cincotta
Anna Straford
"My tan is as natural as my intelligence."
is
"Graduating with ChatGPT."
"I can’t… I have dance."
"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.." — Dr Seuss
"I'm not a fan of books." —
"I actually didn’t have the flu." —
"That’s what." — She
"When life knocks you down to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray." — Justin
"Slow down, you’re doing fine, you can’t be everything you want to be before your time." — Billy Joel
"Let the wild rumpus start" — Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are)
"This time next year I’ll be living so good." — SZA
"Are you training?”
"I put the ‘pro’ in procrastinate."
"Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations." — Zig
"Whoever invented the ‘give me my money’ trend, I hate you.”
"You’d think yer head was cut n’ bleeding sawdust’ " — My
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." —
"I'm finishing, are you?"
"Playing Dress to Impress with my Baddies." — Kid in Target
Year Level Co-ordinator Anna
"How many minutos left? Zero minutos." — Mr E
Francesca Tulloch
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."
— Eleanor Roosevelt
"I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now." — Edna Mode (The Incredibles)
"Signing off, bang bang, kiss kiss." — Lana Del Rey
"I would cry but I just got my lashes done."
okay to fail, it's not okay to quit." — The
Adelina Melia-Douvos
Held on Saturday 23 March, Sacré Cœur’s French Village Fair was meticulously steered by Andrea Harrison, who was supported by so many generous and committed members of our community.
We could not have asked for a better day in terms of weather, involvement and spirit. Our 2024 French Village Fair brought together current families and students, past parents and students, prospective families and many visitors.
The proceeds raised on the day will be split between Sophie’s Farm and a School project. Raising money through the French Village Fair is a very tangible way in which we can live out our Strategic Plan Pillar of Service, which is underpinned by the Sacred Heart Goal – Social Justice that Impels to Action.
The remaining proceeds will go towards outdoor furniture in the Sophie Centre, which will certainly be enjoyed by students and staff. The outdoor hub on Level 4 will further extend our students’ experience of learning.
Sacré Cœur Wurundjeri Country 172 Burke Road, Glen Iris Victoria, 3146 P 03 9835 2700
www.sac.vic.edu.au