2022 Burke Road Bulletin Spring/Summer

Burke Road Bulletin

Burke Road Bulletin

Sacré Cœur

Wurundjeri Country

172 Burke Road

GLEN IRIS, VIC 3146

ABN 75 465 146 609

p. 03 9835 2700

e. reception@sac.vic.edu.au

w. sac.vic.edu.au

Chapel and Facility Hire Enquiries

Marian Andrews

p. 03 9835 2776

e. marian.andrews@sac.vic.edu.au

Editor

Thank you to our Editorial Team

Poppy Jackson

Janine Mayer

e. janine.mayer@sac.vic.edu.au

Design

Anna Cahill

e. anna.cahill@sac.vic.edu.au

Cover

Year 7s performing in the 2022 Music Concert

Social Media

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Diary Dates 2023

2023 REUNIONS

70 Years — Class of 1953 and 60 Years — Class of 1963

2pm. Sunday 21 May

Contact Melinda Adams

e. melinda.adams@sac.vic.edu.au

50 Years — Class of 1973 2pm. Sunday 21 May

Contact Leonie Rastas

e. leonierastas@gmail.com

40 Years — Class of 1983

4–6pm. Saturday 3 June

Contact Marisa Reid

e. marisagalli@hotmail.com

32 Years — Class of 1991

4–6pm. Saturday 11 February

Contact Chevaun Williams

e. Chevaun.Williams@outlook.com

Facebook Group — Sacré Cœur

Class of 1991

30 Years — Class of 1993

4–6pm. Saturday 18 November

Contact Eloise Hudson

e. eloise@mediachampions.com.au

20 Years — Class of 2003

11am–12.30pm. Saturday 4 March

Contact Nadia Diaz

e. nadia.m.guadagno@gmail.com

10 Years — Class of 2013

6–8pm. Friday 3 March

Contact Holly McFall

e. hollymcfall@icloud.com

Kathleen Shirer

e. kathleenshirer@gmail.com

Mary Lemonidis

e. mary.lemonidis@hotmail.com

5 Years — Class of 2018

6–8pm. Friday 17 November

Contact Ruby De Luca

e. rubytuesdayy13@gmail.com

Krystal Salloum

e. ksalloum@student.unimelb.edu.au

1 Year — Class of 2022

6–7.30pm. Friday 1 September

Contact Melinda Adams

e. melinda.adams@sac.vic.edu.au

ALUMNAE EVENTS

Class of 2021 Afternoon Tea

3.30pm. Monday 20 February

Alumnae Association AGM 7pm. Wednesday 10 May

Careers Breakfast 7am. Thursday 25 May

135 Anniversary Ball Friday 12 August Plaza Ballroom

Generations Afternoon Tea 3.30pm. Tuesday 12 September

Small Pleasures Lunch 12pm. Saturday 21 October

Leonda

Mass of Remembrance 10am. Saturday 11 November

SCHOLARSHIPS 2024

Applications close 3 February 2023

Saturday 11 February 2023

Testing 9am

School Tours 9.30 and 11am

TWILIGHT TOUR

4.30–6.30pm

Thursday 9 March

SCHOOL TOURS

9.15am

Student led tours — meet the Principal and staff

Tuesday 9 May

Tuesday 25 July

Tuesday 17 October

PRINCIPAL’S TOURS

9.15am

Small group tours, led by the Principal

Friday 24 March

Friday 2 June

Monday 11 September

Friday 27 October

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Parents’ Welcome Cocktail Party

Saturday 25 February

Arts Festival

Thursday 4 May

Besen Centre

Sacré Cœur Foundation AGM

Tuesday 23 May

135 Anniversary Gala Ball

Saturday 12 August

Plaza Ballroom

French Village Fair

TBC

Unless otherwise specified, all events are to be held at Sacré Cœur.

Chapel Concert

Gratitude for a Year of Anything but Normal

As a society, we talk about what is ‘normal’ in new ways, after the past two years of unexpected ‘pivoting’, as our global community navigated the unprecedented global pandemic.

It has been so very wonderful to reflect on our year at Sacré Cœur, with a highly tuned sense of gratitude for the many things we once took for granted.

Uninterrupted school weeks and terms. Classrooms alive with student energy and immersion in learning and passionate teaching. The Sophie Centre, in full use, proudly standing in the centre of our school and through which our students are engaging in exceptional STEAM learning. This year has seen the return of School Masses, the annual Music Concert, soirées, Arts Festival, House competitions, school productions, sporting fixtures, excursions, incursions, camps — exams even! Plans are now afoot for a global reconnection with our Sacred Heart Sister schools’ immersions in 2023.

Reunions, parent events, fundraisers, Principal’s Tours and weddings have

had members of the community join together. Throughout the year, our School has welcomed many prospective families onsite, with families new in 2023 attending events such as the Music Concert at the Recital Centre.

The unexpected silver lining of the pandemic has enabled us to comprehend a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation that our School lives are anything but normal; rather, extraordinary, every minute of every day in every corner of our School community. Extraordinary in their ordinariness.

It is with a deep sense of pride that I represent the School Board and express my gratitude to our Principal, Adelina Melia-Douvos along with her Leadership Team, for the expert and inspiring guidance and for overcoming any obstacles to deliver a simply magnificent school year. The Board is also deeply grateful to our exceptional staff, students, parents, alumnae and friends for your unflinching support of our School, as we navigate what is now, our new normal.

Throughout 2022, the Board has, together with Ms Adelina Melia-Douvos and the Leadership Team, developed a Strategic Plan for 2023 and beyond. It will take Sacré Cœur into our 135th anniversary year with great optimism and confidence. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this with the community next year.

May I extend my deepest gratitude to my colleagues on the Board and subcommittees who give so generously of their time and skill, and to all members of our vibrant Sacré Cœur community for the shared contributions to what was our unprecedented normal school year. I wish all of you a happy, safe and blessed Christmas and festive season.

Dorothy Tselios Chair of the Sacré Cœur School Board (Acting)

2022 has been a year of overwhelming joy as we have witnessed the return to a full year of School life and a return to ‘normality’.

A Sacred Heart Education of Excellence

The discourse around excellence and education has been — and rightly so — the perennial focus of attention for many throughout history. For the ancient Greek philosophers, most particularly, Plato and Aristotle, excellence was bound with being a good citizen and with the pursuit of learning for the sake of learning; there was an appreciation for the privilege of an outstanding education devoted to excellence of mind and body.

If we fast forward to present-day educational thought-leaders and experts such as Michael Fullan and Pasi Sahlberg, along with those of us for whom education is our life-long vocation, the lessons about educational excellence are not so different from the beliefs held by the ancient philosophers, that “there is nothing more divine than education — it is only through education that one truly becomes,” and that “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all...’’

Excellence in education is not one dimensional and there is no one way to define it. Excellence has to be about doing education supremely well so that we can endow in our students the gift of becoming good at life so that they can thrive in the world. At Sacré Cœur, the lessons imparted about excellence centre on the understanding that when one is on the pathway to excellence, the experience is a liberating one as “it’s not a win or lose kind of game...you don’t let failure break you [as] excellence is a way of being, not a target you hit or miss. It allows you to take pride in the effort you put in, regardless of the outcome.” (R. Saujani, Brave not Perfect).

A legacy of excellence prevails in our school community. Having received an extensive, classical education under the tutelage of her brother, our foundress, St Madeleine Sophie Barat, at a very young age just shy of 21, had a keen desire in the aftermath of war and revolution to rebuild the fractured society around her, through her devotion to the service of education, specifically the education of girls. Sophie’s goal was to ensure that girls received an education

which nurtured both the mind and heart so that they could have a transforming influence in society.

Today, in our world, and by extension in our educational communities, we face a different type of revolution. Change has always been part of everyday life; however, the pace now is a lot faster than ever before. Politically, socially and demographically, technologically, economically and environmentally — the advances are swift. At Sacré Cœur, our Sacred Heart story is a strong, dynamic, relevant and flourishing one. It provides us with a distinct sense of identity, a clear philosophical direction and a sharp purpose, all of which propel us forward. And, imbued by the spirit of Philippine Duchesne, we embrace new frontiers in education, driven by the moral imperative of providing an educational experience which continues to afford our students a pathway to excellence, anticipating future demands so that each individual will be future-ready.

With the continued objective that our students, upon graduation, have been formed as people of integrity and who, through their education, have experienced a process towards transformation, we move forward with a more expansive concept of excellence. Within our contemporary context, excellence is complemented by equity and wellbeing, with each element forming the critical fundamentals of high-level education goals. These goals are espoused by Michael Fullan and co-author, Mary Jean Gallagher, in their latest book, The Devil is in the Details

• Excellence: Through both their formal learning and informal learning,

curiosity and joy abound in our students. We see in our students a preparedness to tussle with new ideas, keen to develop the skills and competencies necessary to navigate their future and all the while they are supported to learn about their own strengths and capacity for learning, Ultimately, the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life — intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, physically, aesthetically reminds them of their relevance in the world and how they can make a difference. In this way, “excellence involves setting and achieving goals beyond the average or expected, both individually and collectively — becoming the best version of yourself.”

• Equity: In all spheres of school life, there is a leaning into meeting individual needs to ensure fair access, outcomes and participation that result in equality, inclusive and respectful treatment of each individual. We live by St Madeleine Sophie Barat’s bold statement that “for the sake of one child, [she] would have started the Society. Hence, it is our mission to value, understand, challenge and nurture each individual, reflecting the importance of providing each according to what they need to succeed...[this includes the provision of] equity of outcome, not only equity of opportunity.

• Wellbeing: “Wellbeing is about belongingness and a sense of purpose — about knowing, liking and valuing who you are in yourself, your relationships and contributions. It is your psychological, emotional and physical

state in relation to purpose, meaning, hope and a sense of belonging.”

As I welcome prospective families to Sacré Cœur, I am always drawn to speaking about how for each of our students, their Sacré Cœur story starts with belonging, as for any of us to thrive, it has to start with belonging. At student-led School Assemblies and in other student-led forums, there is always a distinct thread — it is the many different ways in which our students give expression to a profound sense of belonging; it is the thread which is seen, heard and felt, binding the many poignant and lively vignettes and initiatives.

Equally, wellbeing cannot be divorced from academic endeavour; our students and staff recognise that

academic outcomes and wellbeing

are two sides of the very same coin as “much of learning is relational and impacted by relationships; a safe, supportive learning environment makes a powerful difference.”

In providing a contemporary Sacred Heart education, what is challenging us now? Where are our opportunities for focus, for review, for change? This was a key provocation which featured as part of our ANZNet Sacred Heart Conference this year, which, for the very first time included students from our four Sacred Heart Schools. This provocation calls us to continue to explore with our communities a commitment to a pathway to excellence, to advancing equity and inclusion, and to nurturing the wellbeing of all through the exploration

of faith, intellect, service, community and personal growth.

The vision of Sacred Heart education is a vision for today’s world and beyond, the cornerstone of which is that:

“Those who have to educate [young people] to something higher... must believe in the possibility of every mind and character to be lifted up to something better than it has already attained; they must themselves be striving for some higher excellence and must believe and care deeply....”

(Janet Erskine Stuart)

Adelina Melia-Douvos Principal

Ms Adelina Melia-Douvos at the Leadership Mass

Red Earth Immersion 2022

In keeping with the theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week — Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! — two groups of Year 10 and 11 students had the opportunity to participate in a 10-day immersion experience to Cape York. The Immersion experience offers students the opportunity to hear multiple perspectives, giving them the opportunity to consider their place in promoting reconciliation while reflecting on the role that they can play in the healing process of others. As can be seen in the reflections of the students, it was a privilege for both groups and their accompanying teachers, Ms Keel, Ms Hughes, Ms Romano and Ms Skiba, to be hosted by Traditional Owners on their homelands where their families have been living for thousands of years.

Student Reflections

Unaware of what awaited us in the ten days ahead, we embarked on our journey up north of Australia to the Cape York Coast, where we were welcomed by two remote Indigenous communities.

The family of Bana, our first location, welcomed us onto their land with a traditional smoking ceremony along with nightly campfire sessions and plenty of games with the kids. The scenery at Bana was truly indescribable. Life sleeping in tents, bathing in the creek and daily 35 degree heat was a great change to our everyday Melbourne routines. We are so grateful to have been

able to experience the daily lives of the family at Bana as it opened our eyes to simple and peaceful living. But above all, we’ll never forget the connections we made with the kids. There were more than a few tears shed on our last day.

We immediately felt the contrast between Bana and our second location, Thitharr Warra, where we were welcomed by Traditional Owners, Robbie and Willie. Our days here consisted of learning about Indigenous culture through practical sessions which included walks along the beach, spear throwing and storytelling workshops. These activities provided plenty of opportunities to discuss Indigenous culture and issues, opening our eyes to a range of new perspectives.

After reflecting on our time on Red Earth Immersion 2022, we have developed a wider understanding of the many aspects of Indigenous culture, learning that there is a great variety of views to consider when it comes to Indigenous history and issues in today’s society. We have come back with an appreciation for the lives we live, along with a greater sense of what is truly important in life such as love, land, family and friendships. We can’t wait to share all that we have learnt with the school community and are extremely grateful to have been able to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.

— by Emily Houghton

Recently, in the September holidays, a group of Year 10 and 11 students set off to Cape York for Red Earth Indigenous Immersion 2022. Group 2, consisting of 25 Sacré Cœur students, visited two homelands, Maaramaka and Daarpa. Maaramaka, the home of Gerry and Irene, welcomed us warmly after a 3-hour flight and 6-hour bus ride. Over the course of the next three days, Gerry and Irene taught us about land, traditional artefacts and language. We even had an opportunity to buy a picture book written by Irene in her language, Guugu Yimithirr. A rainforest walk with Gerry meant we saw many aspects of indigenous life including what is useful as food and medicine.

Next, we were welcomed into Daarpa, the land of Estelle and Dez, through a Welcome to Country led by 9-year-old Keisha who spoke in her language. At Daarpa we were taught about traditional customs such as totems and even learned how to make bullroarers.

Through the course of the trip, yarning with the traditional owners was one of the best ways to learn and listen to stories about culture and build meaningful connections with the people we met. Immersion 2022 was the most amazing experience and being given the opportunity to go meant that we were able to learn so much more than we ever could in the classroom.

— by Zoe Harrington

Polly Hara

For Irene and Gerry

And as she snapped the first photograph

Click, shutter, squawk of a new bird

Stepped on new leaves and they Rustle

Crunch like the tin foil on the hot food tray

And the sky is too blue—blue in a Lolly blue way, suck it it’s sweet

Sweet air, sweet berries on the tree

And when you eat them they make the Lemon sweet

Take another

Click, shutter, buzz of the flies and quiet landing of the mosquito—

It bites, bites like the sting of the hot water pot

And up the tree

Up the tree, the green ants crawl

Quick and escape, bite and a yelp

Yelp like the burn of the hot water pot

The cut of a paper-back book

Book from the tree that the Green Ants chart—mapping their plan

And it’s sweet, the smell of their Green is sweet

A third now

Click, shutter, the cadence of her native tongue

A humming rhythm, her mouth moves over the words

They escape, they want to exist

And they exist. Guugu Yimithirr

It fills her and it floods us

With the words that only she can teach us

Roll the r, Darpa, and soften the g

To Guugu

It’s how her spirit sings, her ancestors

Breathe through her, and the notes rise higher

Than us but we reach to grab them

And if we find the notes they are sweet

They burst and flood us with sweet

A light tap to focus

Click, shutter, the sibilant s-s-stories

And in a circle—“circle in”—we sit

Sit and try to grasp those sounds

Those sounds of a soft voice, weary

With the words of the past, but light—

So light—held up by the words of the past

And she speaks of the land and creation

Of her family who have stepped on the dirt

Her family who couldn’t come back

And then those who could

He speaks too, of sap that heals and Leaves—crunch them up, smell them

Is it sweet?

For Estelle and Desmond, for the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

New photographs

Click, shutter, the shoosh of the wind

Just be quiet and listen

Listen to the trees, how they flutter, it echoes

And the fall, how it laughs as it

Hits the creek like white noise

The splash of the ball we throw

The splash of our bodies in the water

And still, the wind that lulls us to Sleep

We sleep sound with the spirits at peace

They keep us safe like a mother

The land, like a mother

So sweet

Look through the lens

Click, shutter, the groaning pants of the bulls

And in the paddock, they stand

Like statues, staring blankly at tents

Hooves in the ground and the dust

Of the car that rounds them up

The dust of the running children

Who scare them away

The dust in your eyes, in your mouth

But it’s sweet, because it’s the Dust of the fire where you toasted

Marshmallows—the sugar is sweet

Pass the camera along

Click, shutter, the resounding sounds of the new generation

And they’re here, they have taken their Stories, their home and made it theirs

She takes us around the fire, leads us

Warms us

Warm

Their laughter is warm and it floods the house

Floods the creek and her voice as she

Tells us a story

They are hope and they are sweet

As Kyesha draws the symbols of her culture

The bus is filled with sweet

Colour fills the frame

Click, shutter, the pop of a new tube of paint

A light splash, red made lighter

For orange, but the blues and greens are deep

And they line the burra burra beans with Dots, with turtles

Two sisters, shells filled with water

And those colours spread wider

Across the bevelled edges of the Bullroarer

It calls, it’s sound is calling

And it’s the colour that speaks

With deep tenor roars and yet

Somehow, that deep belly call is sweet

A candid around the fire

Click, shutter, the laughs of girls far from home

And it feels new, it feels hot

But we laugh

In a circle—“circle in”—we wonder what it means to Connect Connect with each other, the land, the language

Wonder what it means to be home

And our minds—Were we asleep before?

Awaken

As we yarn, our stories change, our stories grow

In the tent, we stay up late and cry but Laugh. A laugh that floods the yard

It’s texture is sweet

For all the people we met and the places we went

A final photograph

Click, shutter, the call for the flight

And the whoosh of take off sounds like the fall’s splash

Like the wind in the trees

The light in the aisle flickers, so bright but

Never so bright as the Cape York sun

And the pressurised air fills our lungs

But can not flood us with sweet

So…home and tired

But alive—so alive

And in Maaramaka our footprints are left in the soil, in Darrpa our Burra Burra Beans rattle in the wind

Click, Shutter, the camera turns off

Excellence and Education

Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding. An education at Sacré Cœur aims to develop a student’s desire to be excellent. But what does this mean in terms of teaching and learning in a contemporary world?

Research in the 1980s identified a number of common factors of effective schools:

• the degree of academic emphasis

• teacher actions in lessons

• good conditions for pupils

• student responsibility.

The criteria are still relevant today in relation to contemporary education. Recent work has centred on the role of the teacher with an emphasis on cultivating the professionalism of educators. In the classroom this equates

to teachers raising the bar in terms of making students work hard while also narrowing the gap in relation to learning challenges. Professionalism has also centred on the importance of studentteacher relationships with educator

Dylan Wiliam concluding, “The greatest impact on learning is the daily lived experiences of students in classrooms, and that is determined much more by how teachers teach than by what they teach.” In this way, teaching now demands professional teaching and also personalised learning. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in English, Science and Mathematics measures high performing schools, ranking the world’s most effective schools. Their data correlates excellence with equity, in other words, countries who achieve high excellence also achieve

high equity. But their measurement of equity is not providing equal opportunities to all students. It is about providing different, but fair opportunities to all students to ensure they all can achieve. This is what excellence means in reference to education. Allowing all students the chance to reach their potential of their best selves.

Learning and teaching therefore should help develop confident lifelong learners who take measured risks, seek feedback and support the learning of others. This is educational excellence and this is what is needed to produce outstanding persons.

Megan Marshall Director of Learning and Teaching (P–12)

Senior School Leadership

There are a number of leadership opportunities for students at Sacré Cœur. At Years 7–12 (inclusive) there are four leadership positions in each Homeroom: Class Leader, Sacred Heart Representative, Liturgy and Chapel Representative and a Justice Action Representative. Each of these roles have their specific responsibilities. Additionally, at each Year Level there is one Cor Unum representative. All of these roles are elected positions whereby individual students nominate for a position, write a written application and then ultimately, a voting process determines the successful candidates.

At Year 12 we have our school leaders who are referred to as our Blue Ribbons. These students undertake a significant leadership process throughout Term 3 as Year 11 students. They’re required to apply for positions, produce a detailed written application, make a speech in front of the entire senior school community at a formal assembly and finally, there is a voting process that includes both staff and students. Once elected, the Blue Ribbons meet

as a group twice a term in a formal meeting that is chaired by the students themselves. At these meetings they discuss a variety of issues, plan and prepare various leadership initiatives and projects and at times, meet and advise with members of the school leadership team including our Principal.

In addition to formal leadership positions, our students are also offered opportunities to participate in and lead student led committees. This year, two new initiatives are our Respectful Relationships student committee and our Open Hearts student group. The former group is made up of ten students from Years 8–10 and they meet twice a term to provide a student voice on the implementation of the program. Specifically, the Respectful Relationships program is a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 12 that promotes a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community. Further responsibilities of this committee include participating in student workshops with other schools, presenting information

and updates to the school community at senior school assemblies and finally, by preparing and participating in parent information evenings and forums. The latter of the two groups is our Open Hearts student voice group. This group meets once a fortnight and everyone is welcome to attend. The students discuss a variety of issues and identify specific initiatives they would like to promote in the school community; however, the primary purpose of the group is to promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Furthermore, they have created a culturally safe space where all students feel welcomed, free to confidently express their views.

Student voice and leadership is something that is both valued and promoted within our school community. We are committed to continuing to provide many different forums and opportunities for each student to both lead and be heard.

Chris Maguire Director of Student Wellbeing 7–12

The Wendy Macdonald Pionnie’re Writing Prize 2022

Winner: Polly Hara, Year 11

This is the second year that this talented writer has won the Wendy Macdonald Pionnie’re Writing Prize.

“My story is a tribute to the innate simplicity of human life, which waxes and wanes as the moon looks on.”

The annual competition, which began in 2021 and will continue until 2030, is open to writers in Years 10–12 and is sponsored by alumna Wendy Macdonald.

It aims to inspire reading and writing for girls in Years 10–12, while also being a significant encouragement of their writing talents.

Dr Wendy Macdonald, (1952), was a medical doctor and also a published author, writing both fact and fiction. Sacré Cœur and the Foundation are most grateful for her generosity.

Polly wins a $300 prize.

Congratulations, Polly

Excellence in Girls’ Education

When St Madeleine Sophie Barat dreamt of creating educational opportunities for girls in the post-revolution France of the 1800s, the world was a very different place. Her vision grew from the significant lack of access to education experienced by girls. Equipped with the ‘boys’ education delivered to her by her older brother, Louis, and strengthened by her faith, Sophie set about to right a wrong. Her desire was for women to play an active role in re-shaping the new French society. This was a time in history of significant transformation in thought, of disruption to social mores and of pioneering enterprise.

Comparatively, whilst much difference lies between life then and now, similarity remains. Still today, gender equality and inclusion are not a reality in many realms of life. The Global Gender Gap Report of 2021 reveals a disconcerting pattern of equality decline in Australia. Our nation dropped six places on the Global Gender Gap Index last year, amounting to a fall of 35 places over the last 15 years. The closing of the global gender gap is anticipated to be 135.6 years away.* In real terms, this means that the first generation to live in a world of gender

equality will be those born around 2130, our current Joigny students’ great grandchildren.

How great it would be to no longer need to write of girls’ education and boys’ education, nor hold such conversations, but the above figures highlight the continued need for gender issues to be addressed and redressed.

As a girls’ School, we are acutely aware of the impact of gendered stereotyping and the societal influences that reduce opportunities for girls. As recognised by St Madeleine Sophie Barat over 200 years ago, girls are entitled to an excellent education that involves academic rigour and the development of mind, heart and spirit. An excellent education is one that instils not only knowledge and skills in academia, but capacity in the student to learn across a range of competencies that include soft skills, self-efficacy and self-management. For girls particularly, providing voice, agency and empowerment is a critical element of their education; this is as critical today as it has been historically.

Each of our students arrives at school with their individual profile; areas of

strength and challenge, passion and preferred learning approaches unique to them. It is these upon which an excellent education builds and from these that learning programs must develop. At Sacré Cœur, through a rich and challenging academic and co-curricular program, we seek for our students to come to know their strengths and areas of challenge. We want them not to shy away from growth experiences that challenge them, and for them to believe in the potential in each of them as a learner and as a leader.

In the Junior School one such program that becomes a biennial Prep–Year 6 project is the Joigny Musical. Developed over several months and involving every Junior School student, the Musical stretches each one of them in their personal capability and their interpersonal skills. On the following pages, we share some of the action associated with this colourful stretch experience. The performances were remarkable and, for many, the highlight of their year’s learning.

*Global Gender Gap Report March 2021, World Economic Forum

The Mystery of the Missing Muffins by Ross McQueen

Directed by Deirdre O’Grady and Robyn Schiller

Lord and Lady Maguffin are having their annual party with all the right people. Amongst the guests are the Mayor, a Colonel and the Chief of Police. In the kitchen, world-renowned chef, Pierre, has cooked up a batch of his famous muffins for dessert. Everything is going well until Mary the Maid goes to serve the muffins and discovers they are missing.

The party is in shock and the Mayor demands action. The Chief steps forward but is thwarted by the arrival of Sherlock Thompson, the world’s greatest detective. The Chief vows to solve the crime himself.

With a number of people acting suspiciously, the Colonel is discovered, seeming to be hiding in the library. The Colonel is questioned and reveals a secret obsession with secretly polishing people’s silverware.

A muffin is found in the outside bin. The gardeners are called in and point the finger at Jeeves. Jeeves confesses but it soon becomes clear he is protecting someone. Sherlock is having trouble solving the crime, so tries to remember lessons learned at Detective School.

Back at the party, accusations start flying; Lord Maguffin accuses his wife, Mary accuses Jeeves, the Mayor accuses the Colonel. When Sherlock returns, the Chief even accuses the narrators!

Joigny Musical: Developing Self, Voice and Agency

The more we step back and let young people do for themselves what they can, the more likely they are to further develop their agency and self-efficacy. It is with this in mind that the Joigny Musical takes shape.

Each Prep–Year 6 student plays a role in the Musical, learning their role in class Music/Performing Arts lessons

where they discuss their class scene and develop their ideas for lines and how they wish to present their part of the plot.

As well as being part of their class scene, Years 5 and 6 students are able to audition for cast roles. As part of their co-curricular program, cast members stay back after school for rehearsals each week during Musical season. They also rehearse together at school over a month of Sundays to learn their scenes and master their lines. Year 6 students learn to manage the sound and lighting box and direct backstage.

Janine Hogan Head of Joigny

Reigniting Our Unique Global Opportunities

As a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart, we are part of an international network that includes 150 schools in over 41 countries. These connections afford us the opportunities for students from different countries, cities and cultural contexts, to come together and build their global competencies through real life experience and dialogue, while at the same time building relationships. These connections can be seen through the programs below.

Virtual Collaboration Program

The Virtual Collaboration Program allows students to:

• strengthen partnerships between our international and domestic Sacred Heart schools learning from and with different cultures;

• develop their dialogue and leadership skills, and their understanding of self and others; and

• build their awareness of global issues and their ability to work collaboratively to create solutions in a local and global setting.

This Semester has seen eight Sacré Cœur students work with students from our sister schools in Sydney, Brisbane, Taiwan and Japan, as they look more closely at how the global issues of Climate Change, Gender Equality, COVID-19 and Humanitarian Crises have affected us, our school environment and our countries. Students have also been provided with the opportunity to share information about their different schools,

looking at similarities and differences as well as sharing information about the traditions of their schools, individual families and the countries where they come from.

Sacred Heart Sister School Immersion Program

With the world slowly returning to a post-COVID travel normal, this Semester has seen us relaunch the Sacred Heart Sister School Immersion Program. Year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to apply to be part of this program, which sees students travelling to one of our sister schools for a period of three weeks at the end of their Year 10 or 11 academic year after having hosted that same student during the year. The program allows students the opportunity to experience academic, extracurricular, religious and social life at another Sacred Heart school, making friends and building community within the Network. In 2023, students will have the opportunity to apply to visit

schools within the USA, Canada, France and Japan.

Year 5 Communication Exchange

With the school year commencing in France, our Year 5 students have been able to start their Communication Exchange Program with our sister school, Groupe Scolaire Sophie Barat in Châtenay-Malabry, France. Students are able to share information about their schools, families, extracurricular activities and life in Australia while authentically practising the French language that they are learning. Students are always eager to receive letters from their French penpals and there is always much discussion around the way in which students from France write. There is definitely something to be said about the value of the ‘old-fashioned’ letter and the anticipation of receiving something in the post.

Brigit Keel Global Connections Leader P–12

Year 9s working on their presentation around Gender Equality for the Virtual Collaboration Program.

Sacred Heart Week — The Theme of Courage

The theme of our Sacred Heart Week celebrations, held in early Term 3, was Courage. Despite being limited in our communal gatherings due to health protocols, students were afforded numerous opportunities to celebrate and reflect on the nature and importance of courage in our Sacred Heart story.

In her Sacred Heart Week Principal address, Ms Melia-Douvos identified courage as being tightly interwoven through each of the important threads that form the very foundations upon which the school community stands.

Courage is bound within the spirit and tradition of Sacred Heart Education and the legacy of the RSCJ. Early in her life as a leader, St Madeleine Sophie Barat pronounced, “Courage and confidence! I cannot repeat this war-cry too often. We should make it our support in our life of conflict.”

As members of the Sacred Heart community, courage acknowledges that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is ‘the

Way, the Truth and the Life.’ Courage is about bringing into the present moment the Sacred Heart of Jesus and allowing it to illuminate the present, to support us in our integrity and judgement, and to give us strength in our resolve to be courageous.

During Sacred Heart Day, students were given an opportunity to reflect upon, and make personal commitments to three Courage statements: Courage to Act, Courage to Be and Courage to Care. Their commitments were then displayed in the Homerooms.

Some of the students’ personal responses included:

Courage to Act

To promote inclusivity

To create a positive community

To make everyone feel included

To act with gratitude

To call out sexism

To stand up against discrimination

To give someone a hug

To act on my beliefs

Courage to Be

To be myself unapologetically

Who I am

To be kind

To be excited

To always be welcoming

To be a better person

To be the best me

To be real

Courage to Care

For others

For those who have no voice

By listening to others

For those struggling

For love

For those experiencing difficulties

For the future

For myself

Mark Oski Director of Mission

Students have a Voice at Sacred Heart Conference

In August, four Year 11 students were provided with the opportunity to accompany some of our staff to attend the Sacred Heart Conference at Kincoppal Rose Bay. They, along with students, staff and board members from the remaining ANZNET schools were able to come together for three days to collaborate and develop new relationships.

The aim of the conference was to provide staff and students with opportunities to participate in rich discussions about a contemporary Sacred Heart Education. Central to this was the voice of our students who provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of our current context. Additionally, the conference provided a chance for the students and staff to build relationships and offer further formation as Sacred Heart Leaders. As a direct result of the conference, a steering committee was established, made up of staff and students from all four schools who pledged their commitment to continue to

collaborate and lead strategic initiatives that built on the work of the conference. Since returning from the conference, students and staff who participated have continued to keep in contact and have met online on a number of occasions. Furthermore, the four student representatives from Sacré Cœur have provided an overview of their experiences to our teaching staff in a staff meeting and to our Senior School students at a formal assembly.

The inaugural student component of the Sacred Heart Conference was both exciting and innovative. It offered our four students a forum to share their voice and add their significant contributions to the forming of Sacred Heart Educators and Leaders. It was a pleasure to share the experience with them and to see them thrive and demonstrate such insight and maturity.

Chris Maguire Director of Student Wellbeing 7–12

Performing Arts — For the Love of Music

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. — Berthold Auerbach

On the night of September 7, the annual Senior Music Concert recommenced. Not since 2019 had our talented musicians performed on the stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre. There was a grateful and infectious energy both backstage and during the performances. VCE musicians, Jocelyn Lambourne and Jadeling Wu, showcased their hard work and talent in their solo performances. Our Year 7 students made their performance debut with a homage to the Eurovision Song Contest. This experience, we hope, will build a passion for music and performing.

All our student musicians are to be congratulated for their commitment to rising to the challenge of not only learning and polishing their repertoire, but also performing with such passion and bringing great joy to our audience. Their hard work and dedication to their craft is truly admirable and it is hoped that the memory of this year’s concert will be with them beyond their time at Sacré Cœur.

Rebecca Long School Events Co-ordinator

Creative Arts — Artist

in Residence Program

Inspires Our Learners

Sacré Cœur’s Artist in Residence program connects and engages students with celebrated Australian artists and makers to enable them to develop an appreciation of the arts, through inspiring learning experiences within the school community. A newlydesigned Creative Arts Club offers all Years 7–12 students an opportunity to work with Artist/Designer/Creative Practitioner, Beci Orpin. The 2022 Focus Goal, A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values, became a practical reality through a permanent mural artwork on the terrace of the Sophie Centre. This was achieved through a collaboration between artist and students. This initiative developed the important student skills which underpin a Sacré Cœur education; agency, authenticity, mastery and collaboration.

Melbourne icon, Beci Orpin, has exhibited works locally and internationally with a range of clients ranging from Facebook, Disney and Google… to Uniqlo, Gorman and Myer. She has also authored and illustrated four D.I.Y books and four children’s titles. Described as a ‘national treasure’ and referred to as a ‘priestess of design’, Beci is in high demand for collaborations so we were excited when she was available to work with us. During Wonder Week, Beci spoke to over 100 students at a Lunchtime Artist Talk and returned for four after-school workshops with 34 students. She taught a range of art-making techniques in her fun, cheerful, colourful and playful style. Students took inspiration from the school grounds, gardens and architecture, and created self-portrait works to represent life and learning at Sacré Cœur. Students explored techniques which included drawing, paper collage and lino printing. This project achieved a triumph in living out this year’s Focus Goal.

In the artist’s words:

“The 2022 school goal, A Deep Respect for Intellectual Values, was carefully interwoven within the final design of the mural. The imagery of students, which draw from outcomes of the paper portrait workshop, depict students engaging in various intellectual pursuits from the creative arts to science, technology and literature. The workshops themselves demonstrated a respect for intellectual values, with dedicated time for the students to explore their creativity and engage with the school in new ways. The Focus Goal is also honoured in the imagery of Sacré Cœur’s built architecture and surrounding landscape. Investing in the architecture of the school, including the Sophie Centre, fosters intellect and encourages learning.”

Beci’s kindness, generosity and talents made a lasting impression on our school and inspired our students’ creative endeavours. The words of the students reflect this:

“I enjoyed hearing about Beci’s accomplishments and how dreams can come true if you work towards them.”

‘‘I found the Art Club a fun and engaging activity space that allowed for cross-year friendships and creativity. I loved the tasks we did each week and I loved hearing from Beci as it gave me perspective on what being an artist really looks like.”

“Beci Orpin is so nice and down to earth, there are so many things I have taken from her art. She is so talented and amazing.”

Beci officially unveiled the mural at this year’s MAD Show Opening Night, on Wednesday 12 October. We welcomed families and friends back onsite to our

much-loved Creative Arts Exhibition. Learning and teaching in the Creative Arts is a shared experience between teachers and students. Students are mentored and nurtured by passionate and talented staff who develop their ability to learn with an open heart and open mind. This exhibition shows students applying creative and critical thinking to voice personal concerns, reflect on social issues, interrogate the plight of our planet, express diverse beliefs, learn from setbacks, and build resilience. These life-long skills, developed in our Arts education offer a prime example of our students’ pursuits for academic excellence and personal growth.

On the opening night of the show the eloquent words of our Principal, Adelina Melia-Douvos, captured the intent and success of the School’s Creative Arts initiatives:

MAD show

“Feelings and the stirring of our emotions are synonymous with art and, through art we are afforded opportunities to celebrate beauty and creativity and the sheer mystery of life. And, so as I think of each of our students—our powerfully talented media makers, artists and designers, I wish to acknowledge and thank you for sharing your talents and creativity with us so that we, too, might experience the quintessential offerings afforded through art— beautifully expressed by American artist, Keith Haring, who says ‘art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further’.”

Nhariah Tran Creative Arts Learning Leader

Reconciliation Action Plan

Pleasingly, at the end of 2021, Sacré Cœur had its Reconciliation Action Plan approved and published by Reconciliation Australia. This year has seen us continue as a school to engage students and staff in quality learning experiences and discussions that support the sharing of information and perspectives, while celebrating the history and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

All staff were provided with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures through a Cultural Training Module presented by Kyle Vander Kuyp, along with Mitch Brown from the Killara Foundation. Central to Kyle’s message was that it’s not about being an expert on another culture, but rather about being aware of

stories in order to gain a greater awareness and perspective.

In the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week — Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! students from across Joigny and the Senior School, have been gaining awareness and perspective through the various units of work they have participated in. Some examples of the work undertaken throughout the year include:

• Year 3 classes reading and performing, Stolen Girl

• Year 6 classes spent each day of Reconciliation Week reading and talking about different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books and songs.

• Year 9 students listened to a firsthand account of the Australian justice system and how First Nations people

closely at Dream Time in their Religion classes and design an Indigenous Garden for Sacré Cœur.

• Year 10 students were visited by members from The First People’s Assembly of Victoria while learning about the areas where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are still struggling to achieve justice in their Humanities unit, Handful of Sand.

These are but a few examples of how we, as a school, are implementing the actions of our Reconciliation Action Plan, and providing our students with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; ways of being, knowing, thinking and doing.

Brigit Keel

Global Connections Leader P–12

(TOP)

Reconciliation Week: Prep students talking about what Reconciliation is and making a hand print to represent both their and Sacré Cœur’s commitment to Reconciliation in Australia

(MIDDLE, L–R)

As part of their Handful of Sand Project, Year 10 students had a visit from Dr Peter Stratton from The First People’s Assembly of Victoria, Jhdara Ross and Stephanie Ross

(BOTTOM)

Kyle Vander Kuyp from the Killara Foundation conducting a staff Cultural Awareness training session

Sport Spirits are High!

Throughout the latter half of 2022, Sport continues to have a significant impact here at Burke Road. Participation rates amongst our student population continue to be a source of much pride. This is a direct reflection of the energy, purpose and sense of fun that permeates the sporting field whenever a SAC team is playing.

There have been many highlights and achievements that have been celebrated throughout the second semester, some of which include:

• Our Senior A and Junior B Soccer Team’s qualification into their respective Grand Finals during Term 3. In fiercely contested matches, whilst we couldn’t manage to come away with the victories, our girls can be very proud of their respective seasons.

• Our Intermediate D Badminton Team’s defeat, by a meagre 17 points across four matches in their Grand Final was a bitter pill to swallow, but they will be back ‘bigger and better’ in 2023!

• Congratulations to our Senior B Badminton Team who become our latest Badminton Premiers!

• Our Athletics Team again qualified in the top echelon for the GSV competition — the Division 1 Championship and finished a creditable sixth.

• A host of qualifiers for the GSV Track & Field Finals Evening, with twelve individual medal winners:

• Imogen Davison (Year 7) won Gold (90m H) and two Bronze (High Jump, Triple Jump); Matilda Marshall (Year 8) won Bronze (800m); Lucy Bowden, (Year 9) won Silver (Javelin); Bridget Slattery (Year 9) won Bronze (400m) and Silver (4x400m); Grace Bracken (Year 9) won Bronze (Shot Put); Anna Liacopoulos (Year 10) won two Silver (Javelin, Shot Put) and Bronze (Discus); Coco Bourke (Year 10) won Bronze (800m); Bridget Gray (Year 10) won Silver (4x400m); Sophie Roberts (Year 10) won Silver (4x400m); Sophia Hanlon (Year 12) won Gold (400m), two Silver (400m, 4x400m), and a Bronze (4x100m); Bridie Davison (Year 12) won two Silver (100m H, Triple Jump), and a Bronze (4x100m); Lauren Kermode (Year 12) won Bronze (4x100m); Sophia Apostolopoulos (Year 12) won Bronze (4x100m).

• Coco Bourke (Year 10) became the first Sacré Cœur student, since the inception of GSV in 2001, to break the five-minute barrier over 1500m. Similarly, Anna Liacopoulos was the first student to surpass the forty-metre mark in the Javelin.

• Sophia Hanlon (Year 12) broke the school record in her 400m and joined together with Bridget Slattery (Year 9), Bridget Gray (Year 10) and Sophie Roberts (Year 10) to break the 4x400m school record.

• Over 200 students are on track to achieve GSV Co-curricular Colours for Sport in 2022 which is testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of our students.

• 2021 Sports Captain, Zoe Barbakos was drafted to Hawthorn in the AFLW and kicked two goals in the opening match of the 2022 season. She joins GWS Captain, Alicia Eva (2009 Sports Captain) on the AFLW stage.

• GSV Representative Honours are to be awarded to Coco Bourke (Cross Country); Sophie Roberts (Netball) and Madeline Marshall (Water Polo).

In August, at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Anabelle Smith (Class of 2010) and Joanna Weston (Class of 2011) both won gold medals in Diving and Netball, respectively. I had the absolute honour and thrill of a lifetime, to be in Birmingham to witness these events.

Cor Unum

Walter Tedde Head of Sport

Intermediate Soccer (Years 9 and 10)

Senior A Soccer Runners Up

Anabelle Smith (2010) with Maddison Keeney at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

L–R: Sophia Hanlon, Lauren Kermode, Sophia Apostolopoulos, Bridie Davison (Year 12)

Sophie Roberts (Year 10)

Joanne Liacopoulos (Year 7)

Intermediate Badminton

Home Away from Home

Boarding schools have always held a certain mystique, often portrayed in popular fiction as places of midnight feasts and adventures.

When Sacré Cœur opened in 1888 all students were boarders. Then the school began to accept a few “day boarders” so that by 1934 day students outnumbered boarders. The number of boarders continued to decline, and in 1971, Sacré Cœur announced its decision to phase out boarding.

For boarders, school was home. They slept in dormitory alcoves with white, pleated curtains. During the day the curtains that enclosed each bed were drawn back. There were several

dormitories, with names such as Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception.

St Joseph’s Dormitory was open-air – it had no glass in its windows, only wire screens around three sides. Under each bed was a canvas frame that could be fitted in case of rain. Open-air dormitories were believed to be healthier and parents in fact paid extra for their daughters to sleep there.

The day’s schedule was highly regulated. One group of Alumnae recalled:

“We woke at 6.15am to the sound of the bell. The mistress said a prayer, “Jesus, Mary and Joseph” and we responded,

“I give you my heart and soul”. We washed in warm water brought to the alcove by

one of the Sisters or had a cold shower. We dressed, made beds, pleated curtains and stood in ranks with veil and prayer book ready for Mass at 7am. At night, the procedure was reversed and clothes and bedspread had to be folded neatly on a chair in front of the alcove. Lights out at 9.30pm. We had baths in the evening three times a week.”

Boarders took their meals in the Dining Room, also known as the Refectory. At the beginning of each term, students were assigned to tables that were a mix of different Year Levels. Older girls looked after the younger girls and each table was headed by a President who served the food. In the early years the

The Dining Room/Refectory in 1938

girls ate in silence, perhaps listening to a senior girl reading from a “suitable” and “edifying” text. Later the girls were allowed to speak but only in French! By the 1940s conversation in English was permitted. The end of boarding in 1976 was seen by many as the end of an era in the School’s history. Dormitories have since been converted to other uses. The

dining room has become the Kirby Centre. And girls no longer don veils and walk in orderly ranks to the Chapel for 7am Mass. But there are still many Sacré Cœur Alumnae who keenly remember their boarding days, and treasure the bonds formed then that remain strong today.

Barbara Kowalski Archivist

Dormitories had to be kept tidy. This chart is from the 1940s — 2 good marks cancelled a bad mark

St Joseph’s dormitory has seen many uses over the years, from open-air dormitory, to Boarders’ Common room, to staff room. This sign was only removed in 2019 just before the room was demolished to make way for the new Sophie Centre

This 1930s uniform list shows what Boarders had to bring to school in addition to their uniform

The Immaculate Conception Dormitory in 1948, later the Resource Centre and now Drama

Parents’ Association

One of our Sacred Heart Focus Goals is that of Building Community as a Christian Value, with community being a key feature of who we are and what is prized. As such, our active and committed Parents’ Association is a key part of community building at Sacré Cœur. All parents/caregivers of students at Sacré Cœur are members of the Parents’ Association. The purpose of the Parents’ Association is to provide social opportunities within the School community and to raise funds for the benefit of present and future students of Sacré Cœur.

In Term 3, we had three major functions, which were organised by our Parents’ Association Co-Presidents, Maria Claydon and Effie Kitas-Vlahos, with assistance from our Parent Association volunteers.

The first of the functions was the Father-Daughter

Mass and Breakfast

held on Friday 26 August. The Mass was celebrated in the Chapel and we had great attendance; our Chapel was filled with fathers and daughters together marking this special occasion and Mass. After the Mass, our guests made their way to the Hall for a wonderful grazing table of delicious breakfast treats with

the option of takeaway packs for busy dads who had to get back to work.

The fathers who remained in attendance were able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the opportunity to catch up with one another over an egg and bacon roll. It was great to see so many fathers and daughters together to celebrate their special bond for Fathers’ Day.

On Saturday 10 September, over 100 parents and friends of Sacré Cœur joined together in the Hall for the Trivia Night, a Touch of Disco being the theme for the evening. With disco balls decorating the tables and some amazing costumes flaunted, friendly rivalry and competitive spirits were evident. Our Quizmaster kept the energy flowing with a great mix of questions and challenges, designed to entice team participation, and a competitive spirit that inspired both fun and fundraising.

On Wednesday 14 September, we farewelled the parents of the Class of 2022 with a Cocktail Evening in the Kirby. The decorations and balloons dotted around the Kirby gave the function a festive air, and the grazing table, replete with a large variety of refreshments, allowed parents to enjoy great food and convivial company after several years

without onsite functions. Our Year 12 parents enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with one another before their daughters finished their formal education at Sacré Cœur.

Our Parents’ Association, with the Committee and Year Level Parent Representatives, provide many opportunities during the year for community building and connections. After two disrupted years with COVID-19, we are looking forward to more ways to connect socially with our parent community and facilitate social gatherings that continue to build our valued community spirit. Parents/ caregivers who would like to join the Parents’ Association are most welcome; new members are always encouraged to join, opportunities as Year Level Parent Representatives, or as Committee members exist and you are cordially invited to express your interest.

Please email Parents.Association@sac. vic.edu.au if you would like to be more involved in 2023 in the great work done by our Parents’ Association.

Caroline Brown

Deputy Principal and Director of Staff

Mass of Remembrance

On Saturday 12 November it was uplifting to be able to share in prayer and song in remembrance of the members of our Sacré Cœur community who have died over the past year.

Fr Steve Tynan officiated and family members were invited to light a candle in Mater’s Chapel, in memory of their loved one.

The Mass was livestreamed to enable those unable to attend to watch the service. It is available to view via http://bit.ly/2022mor

Please remember to contact the Alumnae Association if you would like anyone remembered in next year’s Mass. e. alumnae.association@sac.vic.edu.au

Alumnae News

This event is very close to the hearts of the alumnae and it was wonderful to have so many in attendance.

In Cor Unum

Steph Quinn (1985) and Gemma Rice-Van Heer (2014) Alumnae Association Co-Presidents

2022 Alumnae Association Committee

Co-Presidents

Steph Quinn (1985)

Gemma Rice-Van Heer (2014) Secretary

The second half of the year commenced with a delightful mix of highlights from past and present alumnae. Our annual Generations Afternoon Tea was incredibly successful this year with some of the alumnae having a brief school tour to see the extraordinary new buildings and facilities. There was a beautiful aura that filled the room as the young students mingled with our alumnae members, further solidifying the connection to their school and the alumnae community.

We successfully held several reunions onsite at Burke Road as well as some offsite. Thank you to everyone who attended the events, and our Alumnae members and school staff whose support ensured their smooth-running.

In the midst of celebrating our past alumnae, we were thrilled to meet with the current Year 12 cohort and introduce them to all that the alumnae has to offer. Every year we are able to welcome the newest members into our very special network. We present them with a candle and message, so that they can always light their way back to Sacré Cœur.

Many of our alumnae will know of the Small Pleasures event, this year it was held on Saturday 22 October at Leonda by the Yarra.

Krystal Salloum (2018) Treasurer

Jane Murfett (1977)

Assistant Treasurer

Simone Eason (1989) General committee members

Kerry Bergin (1960)

Marianne Cassin (1977)

Gabrielle Garlepp (1980)

Genevieve Grabau (1975)

Lizzie Joyce (1984)

Brigitte Kourasanis (2014)

Marisa Reid (1983)

The Challenge Cup, formerly the Herald Sun Cup, has been played for over 90 years currently with 30 girls’ schools competing. Each team comprises 4 alumnae golfers, playing individual stableford.

We are keen to gather together a pool of alumnae women golfers to play together in a social golf day and then those who are interested to represent Sacré Cœur in the Challenge Cup.

Please email Rosemary Kelly for more details.

e. rkelly@barden.melbourne

Dorothy Brennan (Class of 1938) Celebrates her 100th Birthday

Calling all Alumnae Golfers Women’s Inter-School Golf Challenge Cup 2023

Each year Sacré Cœur participates in the Women’s Interschool Golf Challenge Cup which is played at a different course every year in March or April.

The Alumnae Co-Presidents, Steph and Gemma were thrilled to visit Dorothy Brennan on her 100th Birthday in October. They enjoyed a cup of tea and presented her with an etching of the School.

Dorothy gave her time and talent so generously to Sacré Cœur’s Alumnae Association, both as a committee member and the Treasurer. She was also instrumental in organising the celebration of the School’s Centenary in 1988.

Dorothy and her family have enjoyed an involvement with Sacré Cœur for over 100 years and we congratulate her on this special milestone birthday.

Reunions

Reunions are back! We proudly hosted eleven reunions this year which included some years missed through COVID-19. Not wasting the opportunity to make up for missed time, the vibrancy and energy at these catchups certainly underscores our purpose as an association and our bond as a community. We are looking forward to celebrating the ‘3s’ reunions next year and thank you to those who have volunteered to help coordinate them.

Small Pleasures Fund Annual Lunch — We’re Back!

After a couple of false starts it was an absolute joy to reconnect with over 300 women at the annual Small Pleasures Lunch on Saturday 22 October at Leonda.

We were thrilled to be joined by dynamic duo, Chrissie Swan and Rebecca Thompson (1991), who were our MCs for the day, along with our captivating speaker Caroline Boileau (1986) whose recent family challenges reminded us of why we were all there. Guests well and truly fulfilled the dress-code brief to ‘bling it up’ in celebration of our 10-year Diamond anniversary, while our signature Mumm Champagne Bar was a sell-out, which is always the sign of a good party (or perhaps an underestimation of this crowd’s love of all things French!).

The Small Pleasures Fund was set up in honour of alumna Rebecca Dollman (Class of 1991) who passed away from breast cancer in 2012. The Fund seeks to support Sacré Cœur alumnae and their immediate families with a debilitating or life-threatening illness or injury. Over the past decade the Fund has provided

numerous ‘small pleasures’ including cleaning services, day spa vouchers, hotel stays, airfares to visit family, food deliveries, garden makeovers, magazine subscriptions, catered Christmas lunches and champagne deliveries, with careful consideration to ensure every gift is appropriate for recipients and their circumstance.

Our annual lunch is our sole means of raising funds to enable this initiative to continue and we extend a heartfelt thanks to each and every guest who attended and supported the various fundraising activities on the day including the Mumm Bar, raffle and live auctions. A big congratulations to Paula Clarke who won the 0.94 carat diamond! Please contact sc.smallpleasures@ gmail.com if you know anyone who would benefit from a small pleasure.

Small Pleasures Fund Committee: Kate Burley (President)

Natasha Mezzina, Nadia Mezzina, Susie Smythe, Andrea Torrens and Emma Fay

Save the date!

Next year’s Small Pleasures lunch to be held Saturday 21 October 2023 at Leonda

We Sophie Bear

Generations

Afternoon Tea

We are always excited when alumnae decide to continue the family tradition by enrolling their daughters and granddaughters at Sacré Cœur.

To recognise these long-standing connections to Sacré Cœur, we are delighted that all daughters and granddaughters of alumnae who are enrolled at Sacré Cœur before the age of five, will be sent a Sacré Cœur bear to welcome them into the community.

This special bear is called Sophie, and is named after our foundress, St Madeleine Sophie Barat.

Sophie Bear recently found a happy home with some daughters of our alumnae. We cannot wait to welcome them to Sacré Cœur and see them walk through the gates of Burke Road, just as their Mothers did before them.

Please contact Julie Muldoon, Admissions Manager if you would like more information:

e. julie.muldoon@sac.vic.edu.au

(BELOW LEFT) Chloe Paneras, daughter of Stacey Paneras (Madytianos 2007)

(BELOW RIGHT) Silvia Diaz, daughter of Nadia Diaz (Guadagno 2003)

Esprit de Cœur

The Alumnae Association’s email newsletter is published biannually and is full of news from our alumnae and the School. You will find the latest edition at www.sac.vic.edu.au/community/alumnae.

Let us know what you have been doing. We love sharing your news.

Please contact: Melinda Adams

e. melinda.adams@sac.vic.edu.au

It was wonderful to be able to welcome many generations of Sacré Cœur alumnae back to Burke Road on Tuesday 13 September to enjoy afternoon tea with their daughters, granddaughters and nieces who are current students of the school.

This is one of the most loved events on the Alumnae calendar and a delight to see everyone enjoying connecting again.

(TOP ROW L–R)

Louise McInerney, Esther Pound, Elizabeth Cosgrave, Ella Cosgrave, Lisa and Camille Demathieu

Eva Mille, Dewi Mille and Sandy Curnow

(MIDDLE ROW L–R)

Rosie, Helen and Eloise McCormack

Lucinda Hudson, Eloise Hudson, Mary-Jane Hudson, Lucienne Bourke and Harriet Hudson

(MIDDLE ROW L–R)

Coco Bourke, Abbey Bourke, Alisha Bourke, Felicity McLean and Ruby McLean

Ella, Kate, Ruby and Millie Paice

We Remember

RSCJ

Sr Cecilie Amiet RSCJ

4 August 2022 Past Staff

Sr Judith Hill RSCJ

23 June 2022

ALUMNAE

Susan Bowler (1958)

5 July 2022

Sister of Joan Trescowthick (Bowler 1946) and Bettye Kamevaar (Bowler 1953) dec.

Delia Burns (Naughton 1956)

8 August 2022

Sister of Margaret Hannan (Naughton 1954) dec.

Sister-in-law of Catherine Curry (Burns 1959)

Janet Courtin (1961)

4 August 2022

Sister of Ven. Robina Courtin (1962), Julie Cattlin (Courtin 1962) and Marie Teague (Courtin 1966)

Justine Glazebrook (1990)

5 November 2022

Dr Anne Lynch (McKenna 1949)

10 September 2022

Sister of Joan Meagher (McKenna 1953)

Mother of Barbara Lynch (1981), Phillipa Witts (Lynch 1983) and Christina Nogara (Lynch 1986)

Grandmother of Sasha Witts (2016), Carly Witts (Yr 11) and Jenna Witts (Yr 11)

Past Principal and Past Deputy Principal Past School Board Member Past Foundation Member Alumna of Kincoppal—Rose Bay

Sister Judith Hill spent many years as a dedicated teacher and administrator at Sacré Cœur. She was Mistress of Discipline at Burke Road between 1955–1967, a position at which she excelled. At the beginning of 1977 she returned to Sacré Cœur until 1982 serving as Deputy Principal, Senior English Teacher and Acting Principal in 1979.

Subsequently, Sister Judith Hill gave valuable service on the Sacré Cœur School Board for a period of nine years. These were years of expansion and crucial change at Sacré Cœur and Sister Hill provided stability and wise guidance throughout that period.

Elizabeth (Liz) Heath (Kelly 1962)

3 October 2022

Sister of Ann Koenig (Kelly 1956), Christine Kelly (1964) and Clare Kelly (1967)

Mary Mortensen (1945)

10 June 2022

Frances Wallace (Johnson 1959)

30 September 2022

Cousin of Elizabeth Willis (Rennick 1959)

Sister of Elizabeth Johnson (1961) dec. and Margaret John (Johnson 1964)

We remember our RSCJ and Alumnae, who have recently died, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

We Welcome

Carla Kerrigan (staff) and husband Jeremy welcomed Logan Jeremy Kerrigan on Wednesday 25 May 2022.

We Celebrate

Luke Miller (staff) and Penny welcomed Sophie Isabelle Miller on Monday 23 May 2022.

Don’t forget to let us know of any new additions to your family. All alumnae babies receive the gift of a Le Petit Cœur bib as proudly modelled by Louis, son of Eliza Bergin (1991) and Grandson of Kerry Bergin (Feely 1960).

Laura Borg (2011) and Simon Hawkes were married at the Sacré Cœur Chapel on 30 July 2022 followed by a reception at Half Acre in South Melbourne. Sisters Eleanor Borg (2012) and Claire Borg (2018) were bridesmaids.

Adele Paolini (2008) and Lincoln Bertelli were married at the Sacré Cœur Chapel on 29 September 2022 followed by a reception at Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick.

We Congratulate

Ashleigh La Grua (2008) and Michael De Corrado were married at the Sacré Cœur Chapel on 12 June 2022 followed by a reception at Vogue Ballroom in Burwood East.

Congratulations to the members of our Sacré Cœur community who have been recognised with Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022.

For service to the museums and galleries sector.

Kate Houghton PSM (current parent) Public Service Medal (PSM) For outstanding public service to policy and program delivery in Victoria, particularly in the area of community health.

Suzanne Dominguez (Thomas 1958) (OAM) Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Brynmawr Society Reception

On Tuesday 11 October 2022, the Sacré Cœur Foundation hosted our Brynmawr Society Event to thank and recognise supporters who have made significant donations, or indicated their intention to leave a bequest to Sacré Cœur. It followed an evening of divine music in the Chapel by our talented student musicians. We thank our music staff for their work and congratulate our students on their magnificent performances.

A new member was inducted into the Society and was presented with a Brynmawr Society pin by Foundation Board Chair, Daniel Kelliher. Principal Adelina MeliaDouvos spoke about the current highlights in the life of the School.

Brynmawr Society membership is open to anyone who has made donations of more than $5000 to the Sacré Cœur Foundation. For further information or to find out more about becoming a member of the Society, please contact Marian Andrews on 9835 2776 or email foundation@sac.vic.edu.au.

Francoise Borg enjoying time spent with members of the community

Chapel Concert

Bernard Ronchi, Principal Adelina Melia-Douvos and Chris Adams

Daniel Kelliher, Anita Kelliher and Caroline Redman

Tell your story and support Sacré Cœur “

Celebrate Your Cor Unum Journey

The Cor Unum Walk was unveiled at the 125 year celebrations in 2013. The pathway welcomes the many School visitors and hundreds of students who walk from the Burke Road gates to the distinctive heritage building.

Most students take their first steps into Sacré Cœur along the Cor Unum Walk. For those who walk this beautiful pathway, it is an opportunity to celebrate members of our community and take inspiration for their own journey of learning and life.

Bricks are engraved with the names of members of the school community, a visual expression of those who have treasured their time at Sacré Cœur.

Through the purchase of an engraved brick, the Walk provides an opportunity for us all to be part of these remarkable gardens into perpetuity. The purchase of your inscribed paver will support Sacré Cœur into the future and contribute to the ongoing redevelopment of the School.

Please support the School by purchasing a paver.

The order form can be found on our website.

sac.vic.edu.au/community/sacrecoeur-foundation/

Orders are installed on an annual basis.

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Netballers Support #FightforClara

On Saturday 16 July, the Sacré Cœur Netball Club participated in the #FightforClara Tournament. Clara Choi, a former Sacré Cœur student, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and Sacré Cœur decided to demonstrate its support through many ways, but mainly through a Netball Tournament. Five teams from Sacré Cœur showed their support to Clara by competing in the tournament and it was evident from the laughs, wins and overall positive mood that this day was enjoyed by all.

Personally, we were very grateful to be a part of this as it was an opportunity to support an amazing individual in the Sacré Cœur community. Additionally, we had a great time and hope Clara knows that the Sacré Cœur community is here to support her through her journey. Sacré Cœur also had some amazing results in the tournament with the Year 7 team securing a position in the Grand Final! In addition to hosting the tournament, the Sacré Cœur Netball Club donated $700 to the cause with the hope that it helps Clara and others diagnosed with Leukaemia. Overall, the #FightforClara club tournament was a day enjoyed by all, but moreover, it was a great way to demonstrate to Clara the support she has from the Sacré Cœur community. Eve Chalikias and Azella Hall, Year 9

Spaces to Hire

Sacré Cœur has many flexible spaces for public hire — for weddings, sporting events and special occasions, including a hall, gym, outdoor courts and theatrette. Flexible modern event spaces in the new Sophie Centre are now on offer, including the terrace — with its magnificent views — and modern learning spaces for after school excursions or specialist activities.

For more information please contact Marian Andrews on 9835 2776 or email Marian.Andrews@sac.vic.edu.au