Issuu

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

P. 03 9835 2700

E. alumnae@sac.vic.edu.au

Editorial Team

Zoe Zeman

Erin Hayley

E: marketing@sac.vic.edu.au

Design

DMC Group

E. info@dmcg.com.au

Cover

Diary Dates 2025

TERM 1 (10 WEEKS)

New Staff commence Friday 24 January

Australia Day Monday 27 January

Staff commence Tuesday 28 January

Year 12 Retreat Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 January

Year 7 and new students

Years 1-11 commence Thursday 30 January

All students Years 1-12 commence Friday 31 January

Preps commence Monday 3 February

Labour Day

Monday 10 March

Term ends Friday 4 April

TERM 2 (10 WEEKS)

Easter

Friday 18 April - Monday 21 April

Staff & Students commence Tuesday 22 April

ANZAC Day

King’s Birthday

Friday 25 April

Monday 9 June

Term ends Friday 27 June

TERM 3 (9 WEEKS)

Staff commence

Monday 21 July

Students commence Tuesday 22 July

Term ends Friday 19 September

TERM 4 (9 WEEKS)

Staff and students commence Monday 6 October

Mid-term Break

Classes conclude (Prep – Year 9)

Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 November

Thursday 4 December

Student Free Day Friday 5 December

Carols Rehearsals Day (Year 2 & Years 5-9)

Monday 8 December

Carols – St Patrick’s Cathedral Monday 8 December

Dates are correct at time of printing. Please check our website for the most up to date news and events.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications close 14 February

TOURS

Principal’s Tours 22 February 29 April 30 May 28 August

School Tours 20 June 29 July

Student Led Tours 13 May 15 September

Open Mornings 15 March 11 October

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Footy Feast 20 February

Arts Fest 27 February

Parents’ Association Welcome Cocktail Party 1 March

International Women’s Day Lunch 7 March

Small Pleasures Lunch 29 March

Spring/Chapel Concert and Music Awards 14 October

ALUMNAE EVENTS

Alumnae Association Annual General Meeting 14 May

Generations Afternoon Tea 16 September

Mass of Remembrance 8 November

There is no doubt that we are living through a time of rapid change and this change is being experienced in political, technological, sociological and, the increasingly volatile, economic landscape. Schools are not immune from the pressures which come from these fronts. But, schools such as ours, with its strong Sacred Heart charism and clearly defined vision, offer an

From the Board

My role as Chair of the Sacré Cœur School Board gives me a deep sense of pride. It is immensely rewarding to work alongside fellow Directors, the Principal, her Leadership Team and Sophia Education Ministries, the body responsible for governance of Sacred Heart Education in Australia and New Zealand.

anchor as we continue to provide transformative education and excellence at Burke Road.

It is, indeed, wonderful to reflect on our 136th year at Sacré Cœur, a community in which commitment to the principles of Sacred Heart education remains steadfast, and instilling wisdom, knowledge, courage and compassion in students drive all endeavour. Madeleine Sophie’s legacy of valuing and supporting every

student underpins the Board’s and the School’s commitment to empowering each student to reach her fullest potential.

School life at Sacré Cœur is rich, busy and fulfilling. What is always apparent, is the great strength of our community, with students, staff, current and past parents, alumnae and friends of Sacré Cœur all working together to enhance the School, ensuring that students remain at its very centre.

There have been many notable events this year but the French Village Fair and the ANZNet Annual Focus Goal Review Meeting which Sacré Cœur hosted remain my two highlights.

• French Village Fair: Having been postponed several times due to COVID, the much-anticipated French Village Fair was held on Saturday 23 March and was supported by many generous and committed members of our community. The School could not have asked for a better day in terms of weather, involvement and spirit. This year’s French Village Fair brought together current families and students, past parents and alumnae, prospective families and many visitors. In fact, in excess of 3,000 people attended. The proceeds raised were split between Sophie’s Farm in the Philippines and a Sacré Cœur Sophie Centre project.

• ANZNet Annual Focus Goal Review Meeting: Sacré Cœur is privileged to be part of a network of four Sacred Heart Schools in Australia and New Zealand. Baradene, KincoppalRose Bay, Stuartholme and Burke Road share the Five Sacred Heart Focus Goals and, each year, each school chooses one of the Goals as a focus.

Annually, the Principals and Board Chairs convene with Sophia Education Ministries and the Provincial to report on how each school has lived their chosen Goal during the previous year. Sacré Cœur had the privilege of hosting the Goals Review Meeting in March, which offered valuable dialogue and an opportunity to hear firsthand from other Board Chairs and Principals about their unique environments – their challenges, successes and innovative ideas.

The Annual Focus Goal Review Meeting culminated in a sacred and moving celebration held in our Chapel where Sophia Education Ministries marked their Five-Year Anniversary.

In addition to supporting School events, at a governance level, the School Board continues to work in close partnership with the School, providing strategic direction and guidance. An important part of the Board’s thinking links strongly to the School’s Strategic Directions document. Launched last year, much work has been undertaken across each of the pillars: Identity, Learning, Belonging, Service and Discernment. The focus is on creating a contemporary learning environment; one which will prepare our students for the future world of work and help build the skills and attributes they will need for success.

I extend my gratitude to each of our School Board Directors and all Committee Members. We are fortunate to benefit from the talent, experience and commitment of our Board Directors and Committee members, who give so generously of their time.

I also wish to recognise retiring volunteers for their outstanding

service to the School. This year, we have farewelled Tom Pennicott, Board Director and Chair of the Finance Committee. We thank Tom for the significant contribution made to the School. At the same time, we welcome new directors: Carol Daicic, who brings a wealth of experience as a lawyer and an accredited mediator; John Finn, an experienced and passionate educational leader; and alumna Jacqui Bull, an enterprising business person, who at the age of 22 co-founded Sidekicker.

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank Adelina Melia-Douvos, our Principal, the Leadership Team, staff, students, parents, caregivers and community for their tremendous efforts throughout the year.

I invite you to engage with us, whether through volunteering, attending events or by sharing your insights. Together, we can strengthen our bonds and ensure that Sacré Cœur continues to uphold the legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat and writes new chapters of excellence, faith, and empowerment in the coming year.

Dorothy Tselios

Chair of the Sacré Cœur School Board

From the Principal

“Be persons who live education as a process of interaction with the world…”

Whenever I conduct Principal’s tours, after heading out of the Children’s Parlour, I stop in the central corridor before the wooden map of the world with the carefully placed dots marking each of the Sacred Heart schools across the world. I am always keen to share with prospective families our rich Sacred Heart history which is deeply rooted in our international heritage. I invite families to consider the unique experiences and formation offered to our students who, in becoming integral members of the Sacré Cœur family, automatically join something larger. As educated citizens invested with competencies, they develop into “global[ly] ready.” In Thrive Schools Reinvented for the Real Challenges

We Face, a book into which I dip regularly, Valerie Hannon states that “To be fully educated citizens today, students need an education that gives them a global perspective… [yet emphasises equally] …the importance of local place, connecting students with the land they live on and the local ecosystems.”

Throughout our 136 years at Burke Road, we have been part of an international network of predominantly private, and a few state integrated, Catholic schools run by or affiliated with

the Society of the Sacred Heart, founded in France by St Madeleine Sophie Barat. Across Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, North and South America, there are many schools of the Sacred Heart. In fact, the wooden map shows 150 schools in over forty-one countries. Additionally, over the years, Sacred Heart tertiary institutions have also been established, with two colleges formed in Australia.

Madeleine Sophie Barat was an extraordinary, visionary leader known specifically for her relational leadership style, emanating from an educational philosophy deeply rooted in the values of courage and confidence.. Ever since she founded the Society in France in 1800, the mission was to ensure that the global family of schools was unified whilst, at the same time, embraced local culture and local realities.

Madeleine Sophie Barat and her contemporaries may not have been able to refer to the African philosophy of ‘ubuntu’ (I am because of who we all are) or ‘sumak kawsay’ (harmony within communities, ourselves and nature) in Quechua, but the Five Sacred Heart Goals: A Personal and Active Faith in God; A Deep

Respect for Intellectual Values; A Social Awareness that Impels to Action; The Building of Community as a Christian Value; Personal Growth in an Atmosphere of Wise Freedom – shared by all Sacred Heart institutions, certainly reflect the common aspirations for mutual respect, harmony, inclusion and understanding, which underpin what it means to be a global citizen. From the outset, to be educated in a Sacred Heart School is to be empowered to “understand how the world works, value differences in people, and work with others to find solutions to challenges too big for any one nation.” (UNESCO: Global Citizenship Education)

At Sacré Cœur, our students are actively supported to make global citizenship their way of life. The Victorian Curriculum through its inclusion of F-10 Languages and the Intercultural Capability shares the UNESCO goal, recognising that “global learning and engagement are vital for living in a more complex, interconnected and competitive world.” Our students are able to gain access to global citizenship education from lived experience. They are offered authentic global programs, possible through our affiliations within our own international network and

partnerships established with our local community.

There are many ways in which our students are able to engage in education that fosters their intellectual growth, global understanding and compassionate leadership. Pivotal experiences are offered through:

• reciprocal international exchanges and ANZNet exchanges

• the Virtual Collaboration Program

• Indigenous Immersions

• the School’s annual Shoes for Samar undertaking and Year 12 Sophie’s Farm program

• language study tours

• Joigny Global Citizenship, Student Ambassador Program and Joigny Communication Exchange Program

These programs cultivate the hearts and minds of our students. Our students recognise the inherent privilege and responsibility that accompany global citizenship. They commit to being informed, engaged, active, and empathetic. We encourage them to remain fair and open-minded, identify and challenge assumptions, as well as their own biases, and strive to understand perspectives different from their own.

As Principal of Sacré Cœur, I, too, have the opportunity to connect meaningfully with Sacred Heart educators across the world. Most recently, having attended the Sacred Heart ASIANZ Conference in Tokyo, I joined with Principals from six other countries and was able to discuss many environmental and socioeconomic global challenges.

The most palpable takeaway for me from the Conference was that connections forged with Sacred Heart educators internationally, reinforce hope in our young

people – a hope conveyed through the spirit of joy and generosity evident not merely in words but in actions. Whatever field we work in, we are part of the same community and we actively support our students to “embrace the universality of humanity and feel called beyond differences of nationalities, languages and faith traditions…[and make them] see [their] 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.”

(Sophie’s Gift...Our Call to the Future International Education Commission)

The contemporary expression of the philosophy of Sacred Heart education, Sophie’s Gift …Our Call to the Future, was published

in December 2023. The global perspective infuses the document and is beautifully conveyed through the words of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ – “It is the direction of the intention which gives unity. Direction of intention is the greatest power in our life. We are what our intentions are. We live by intentional thoughts – and this is powerfully married with, “We choose to participate in this globalised world affirming that it is conditioned by love...”

Adelina Melia-Douvos Principal

Future Fit

Sacré Cœur’s 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan identifies the need to develop a Future Fit Framework to address the educational needs of our students in a world continuously shaped by technological development.

It specifically identifies LEARNING as challenging each student to achieve academically, to help them take their place within the world. In this way, learning is viewed as transformative and cultivates a culture of excellence. Additionally, a holistic education aims to teach students to use their knowledge to care for others and create a more just future. Learning therefore, 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. It provides learning opportunities for staff to further develop their passion and knowledge of teaching, fostering their appreciation of students’ individual needs and promoting the adoption of contemporary pedagogical skills.

In 2023, the Future Fit Working Party used the Sacred Heart Goals and the Strategic Plan Initiatives to direct the first part of the framework. The values:

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.

These values underpin and marry learning and wellbeing by providing a clear roadmap of what is essential to a 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 connect 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 collaboratively on developing the necessary skills to implement and populate Schoolbox. The professional roll out of Phase 1 of the project, in Term 3, was a testament to their dedication and commitment to ongoing learning and innovation. The project will continue to evolve over the next two years.

The five values have also shaped staff professional learning, with a greater emphasis on professional practice, research and peer observation. In 2024, all staff undertook work relating to how these 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 speakers included: Mursal Sadat: one of the Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer team players who came to Australia during the country’s evacuation in 2021. Her work focuses on women and refugees’ rights in both Australia and her homeland.

Elisabeth Lenders: a recipient of an OAM as an educator. She has been working as a critical friend and member of the Future Fit Working Party, drawing on her experience as a Principal at Kingswood College and Deputy Principal of Carey Grammar.

Edward Tudor: the founding Executive Director of the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. Edward is responsible for the establishment, opening, management and strategic vision of the School.

Karen Messier: the Executive General Manager at Max Solutions, an employment services provider, who delivers programs which include Workforce Australia and Disability Employment Services.

Maureen Ryan: a well-respected past Principal of Sacré Cœur and Kincoppal Rose Bay. She is a passionate educator of young women and a role model who demonstrates a commitment to emerging leaders and giving people a voice.

The five presentations deepened our discussion about how Excellence, Purpose, Care, Hope and Connection can influence education and prepare future ready citizens.

In Semester 2, the teaching staff extended their thinking by documenting how each of the values influences our learning, teaching and interactions with students. This provided Sacré Cœur educators with specific actions relating to the Future Fit Framework.

Our plan for 2025 is to give students and their parents an opportunity to detail how the values shape their actions. By involving the entire community, we are developing a contemporary, fit for purpose education, equipping students to respond to change by finding solutions.

Megan

Marshall Deputy Principal, Director of Staff

Blue Ribbons

At Year 12 we have our school leaders who are known as Blue Ribbons. These students undergo a significant leadership process throughout Term 3 in Year 11. Specifically, they’re required to:

• apply for positions

• meet with members of the Leadership Team to discuss responsibilities and challenges of leadership

• produce a detailed written application

• address the Secondary School community at a formal Assembly

Once elected by students and staff, the Blue Ribbons meet as a group twice a term in formal meetings that are chaired by them. At these meetings they discuss a variety of issues, plan and prepare various leadership initiatives and projects. At times, they meet with and advise members of the School Leadership Team, including our Principal, Ms Adelina Melia-Douvos.

One of the main projects proposed by the Blue Ribbons this year has been the planting of an Indigenous Garden within the School grounds. The benefits for both staff and students will be many.

By contributing directly, students will further foster their connection with the School and with the land as well as create a green space that all can visit to enhance their wellbeing. The project will include consultation with and guidance from First Nations peoples and horticulturists with expertise in Indigenous gardens. The initiative commenced at the start of spring and will continue into 2025.

Chris Maguire Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12

Joigny

FUTURE-FITTING THIS GENERATION

A key component of Sacré Cœur’s Strategic Plan is the delivery of programs and experiences that see our young people fit in all ways for the lives that they will lead. As the Digital Age morphs to what is termed by some to be the Age of Artificial Intelligence, we are keenly aware that distinctly different knowledge, skillsets and mindsets are required of this generation as compared to those of the Industrial Age, when compulsory school education was first developed. Times of a ‘fill the vessel’ approach to teaching and learning are well and truly past. For education to prepare students for the world in which they will lead and participate actively as citizens, schooling needs to look, sound and be different to the educational experience of their teachers and parents. There is a need to form in our young people a wide range of competencies that will enable them to thrive in a rapidly changing global society that increasingly utilises artificial intelligence and presents

challenging environmental and social issues. Ethical reasoning, intercultural understanding, creative and critical thinking and personal and social capabilities are each identified to be important attributes in navigating such conditions. So, for schools to be educational institutions that prepare young people for life, these mindsets and attitudes need to be a key aspect of not only school programming but also a school’s culture. On the following pages, we share some recent student experiences that reflect our focus on the development of these understandings, skills and dispositions.

JOIGNY POD-CASTING STUDIO

Through the Prep-Year 6 Digitech Program, our students are learning to utilise technology effectively and responsibly, both for practical and creative purposes. With access to a range of devices such as iPads, laptops, desktops, staged robotics sets, 3D printers and virtual reality equipment, students are practising communication and collaboration skills every day. Beyond this, as

part of their project-based learning, they are utilising devices to create solutions and to problem-solve. The latest addition to the Joigny technology space is a podcast studio that students began to access during their Digitech lessons in Term 3. This studio also serves as an additional resource for other curriculum areas such as STEM, Literacy, Health, Music and Creative Arts. Equipped with everything students need to create podcasts, radio plays and advertising jingles, the studio features four professional-standard microphones, audio tools such as faders and echo modifiers and is powered by a RODE mixing desk. Year 5s have been creating radio station podcasts in their DigiTech classes, being introduced to pre and post production skills in planning, scripting and editing. The newly introduced studio is a creative avenue through which our students can develop not only their multimedia capabilities, but also their sense of voice and agency, enabling them to develop perception of themselves as instigators and creators, and further developing their confidence in communicating with others.

FOSTERING SELF-EFFICACY

A further example of student voice and agency in action in the recent term was the Year 6 student-led excursion. The brain-child of Year 6 Arts Leaders, Elise P, Esther S, Emily H and Sienna S, early in Term 3, the whole Year 6 cohort attended a matinée session of Wicked the Musical at the Regent Theatre. This excursion was initiated and organised by the students themselves. Charged with an idea after contacting members of the Wicked cast, the Arts Leaders approached their teacher mentor, Ms O’Grady, to pitch a plan to her. Costs were calculated and, in class, students researched maps, train routes and timetables to develop the day’s itinerary.

It was such a joyous day, with the students proud of the hand that they played in making it happen and the terrific bond between them as they navigated their way to the train station. The scene was a rich example of the power that self-efficacy and selfactualisation hold.

For students not used to train travel, Myki cards and station gates were a great window to Melbourne’s public transport and the independence that lies ahead as they approach secondary school. Missing the intended train added further to their learning experience, reinforcing to them the value of the Plan B that they had in place, calling upon their flexibility and problem-solving skills. They remained confident in the knowledge that the next train would still have them arrive at Flinders Street Station with time to spare.

Thank you, Elise, Emily, Sienna and Esther for your ideas, tenacity and organisational skills that resulted in a great experience for all the Year 6 students and their teachers.

IGNATIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Among the many leadership experiences our Year 6 students are afforded, the Ignatian Leadership Conference (ILC) provides particular stretch for those who attend and, also, for all who choose to apply. This student conference gathers student leaders together from a range of schools across Australia to undertake a program focused upon core capabilities of leadership.

After a hiatus associated with the global pandemic, this year’s Ignatian Leadership Conference was the first to be held since 2019. With ten places offered to our Year 6 students, the Conference is a selective co-curricular opportunity that offers those who attend the chance to further develop their personal and social

capabilities and dispositions of leadership.

All Year 6 students are encouraged to apply for this experience as the selection process itself is a rich opportunity for learning. Students need to reflect on their reasons for reaching for the program and articulate these in their letter of application. A group interview then follows the letter of application. Those who apply are mentored in how to write a letter of application and also how to prepare for an interview, making the application process an authentic and worthwhile learning experience for every student involved.

This year, the Conference was hosted by St Ignatius College, Adelaide and held in Mylor in the Adelaide Hills. Our ten Sacré Cœur student delegates were amongst students attending from Xavier College (VIC), St Ignatius (SA), St Ignatius (NSW) and St Aloysius (NSW).

The Conference program included presentations delivered by each participating school. Our ten delegates, met each week in the five weeks prior to departure, establishing personal goals and working collaboratively to develop their conference speech and presentation. They were inspired by the words and enthusiasm of the Year 11 students (the last cohort to attend the Conference) who joined one of their meetings to talk about their experience of the Conference and offer advice on how to make the most of the time away.

Over the three-day, two night trip, our Year 6 students sought to meet the personal goal that they had each set in regard to the development of their leadership capacity. Some of these goals included:

• developing self confidence

• being more open to others’ ideas as I lead

• communicating and speaking up

• working on my organisation

• expressing my ideas clearly to others

• working on leading a group and managing tasks

The Conference program included sessions shared by Indigenous Leaders as well as sessions that focussed upon leadership character traits.

It was a tired but notably cohesive and proud group of Year 6 students who returned home from the experience on the Friday evening, having invested much energy in their social and personal development over their time away. We enjoyed seeing how the experience informed their mindset and actions as they continued to live out their leadership portfolios in second semester.

Janine Hogan Head of Joigny

Mimovitch

Adorning the Sacré Cœur buildings are works by the famed artist Leopoldine Mimovitch, a favourite of the RSCJ. For over five decades the School commissioned her to produce many bespoke pieces.

In the 1980s, as a Year 11 student, Marisa Reid (Galli), Alumnae and current Board member, interviewed Leopoldine for Cor Unum. We offer a reprinting of her article as a tribute to this talented artist.

Early this year I had the great pleasure of talking to Mrs Mimovitch about her life and work, particularly about the pieces she did for Sacré Cœur, for she is the artist who sculpted the Stations of the Cross in our Chapel and the three beautiful wooden pieces in Mater’s Chapel.

Mrs Mimovitch was born in Neumarkt in the Italian Tyrol but the family moved soon after her birth to St. Johann, Austria, where she spent most of her young life. After leaving school she worked as an apprentice to her father who was an interior decorator. Her artistic talent was recognised and encouraged from an early age, but it was not until 1939 that she was able to go to art school in Vienna. She studied there for three years and then she went to the College of Religious Art in Hallstadt for a number of years.

In 1948 Mrs Mimovitch, now married, came with her husband, to Australia. Those early years, as for most migrants were difficult ones and she had little opportunity to work at her beautiful art. As the years passed, despite setbacks through serious illness,

Leopoldine Mimovitch gained great recognition in the field of carving. Her work is renowned throughout Australia where it adorns many convents, schools and churches.

In the early sixties Mrs Mimovitch was commissioned by our school to carve the Stations Of The Cross. They took some months to complete. Working on the Stations of the Cross, she said, was a moving experience as each time she does some pieces she accompanies Christ in such a living way in his suffering.

The free-standing statues in Mater’s Chapel followed, one of St. Aloysius and the other of the Angels, for the congregations of those names.

When I went to see Mrs Mimovitch I took one of these with me. She said it was like meeting an old friend again. It was very interesting to see how her style has changed, she now prefers a smooth sanded finish on her work.

Before doing the relief sculpture of the Blessed Philippine Duchesne for Mater’s Chapel, Mrs Mimovitch carefully researched the subject as she always does. She was deeply touched by the great achievements of this amazing woman, particularly her work with the Indians of North America.

It was a privilege to talk to Mrs Mimovitch and I took away not only memories of her exquisite work which adorns her home but also of her great humility and beautiful faith in God.

Mark Oski Director of Mission

1 Mary and baby Jesus

2 The Holy Family

3 The tenth of fourteen Stations of the Cross

1 Ground Floor Heritage Building

2 Located in office of the Director of Mission

3 Located in the Main Chapel

4 Located in Mater’s Chapel

5 Located in Mater’s Chapel

6 Ground Floor Corridor Heritage Building

7 Ground Floor Corridor Heritage Building

8 Located in the Year 12 Corridor Donated by the Class of 2004

9 Ground Floor Corridor Heritage Building Leopoldine Mimovitch restored this 17th Century Crucifix to its original splendour

4 Guardian Angel and Child

6 The Holy Family

7 Blessed Mother and Child

5 St. Aloysius

8 Mother and Child

9 Szokoloczi Family Crucifix

Sacred Heart Week

In the last week of July, the School Community came together to celebrate Sacred Heart Week. Throughout the week, students were invited to participate in a range of lunchtime activities, including House Dodge Ball, a Just Dance session and the Sacré Cœur Paper, Scissors, Rock Championship.

In recent years, during Sacred Heart Week, the School has engaged in the community building activity of creating String Art pieces. Students from all Year Levels were invited to continue this new tradition. This year, the focus word was ‘Courage’. The 2024 string art piece complements the 2022 work which utilised the word ‘Confidence’. Thus, the two pieces together proclaim one of Madeleine’s Sophie’s most famous motivational quotations: Courage and Confidence. The String Art pieces are displayed in the Hall.

The highpoint of the week was Sacred Heart Day. It began with a whole School Mass where students acknowledged the legacy of the RSCJ and pledged their commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Day concluded with Sacred Heart Mission Fête where much food was enjoyed, together with visits to the Jumping Castle, Silent Disco, Fairy Wonderland and the frightening Haunted House.

It was a joyous experience of Sacré Cœur spirit which raised $5000.

Mark Oski Director of Mission

Sacred Heart Conference

This year, the Conference was hosted by Baradene College in New Zealand.

Four Year 11 students: Roderina C, Angela M, Tehya M and Bridget S were successful in their application to attend and meet students from our three other ANZNET schools 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 7am 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 dwelt 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!!

Notre Monde – Year 9 Program

HUMANITIES NOTRE MONDE ELECTIVES: AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Now in its second year, the Notre Monde Elective Program at Year 9 allows students to explore elective subjects across various disciplines, including Creative Arts, English, Health, Humanities and Science. This innovative approach aims to enhance traditional classroom learning through experiential methods. In the Humanities Department, the Notre Monde electives are designed to complement the core curriculum, which focuses on History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business. The Program’s philosophy is inspired by a famous quotation from a Confucian philosopher: “Tell Me and I Forget; Teach Me and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn. ” This principle aligns with progressive educationalist John Dewey’s concept of “learning by doing,” emphasising real-world scenarios in the classroom.

MONEY MATTERS

Recognising the importance of financial literacy, Sacré Cœur has made the Money Matters course compulsory for all Year 9 students. Research shows that young Australians often lack knowledge about personal

finances, with girls particularly needing more confidence in this area. The course covers essential topics such as tax, superannuation, interest, banking, savings and investing strategies. Students compare bank accounts, calculate interest rates, learn about budgets and investigate the gender disparity in terms of wages, investing, career paths and superannuation. It is crucial to begin this education early, to encourage financially independent young women with secure and stable futures. A highlight of the course is a masterclass by Sally Renfrey, Money Clinic Manager at the Centre for Women’s Economic Safety, focusing on financial abuse and economic safety for women, whilst learning about healthy and trusting relationships.

THINKING ECONOMICALLY

This elective dives into the principles of behavioural economics and the factors influencing consumer decisions. Each lesson includes behavioural experiments, which reveal that our Year 9 students can make both rational and irrational economic choices. The handson approach helps them apply their learning to real-world scenarios, fostering informed economic decision-making. The unit culminates in a group project based on the Fun Theory. Developed by advertising agency DDB Stockholm, the principle behind the Fun Theory is that the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better is to make whatever they need to do fun! Groups identify undesirable behaviour at school, and using the principles of design thinking, create a fun solution to the problem. This year, projects

included reward systems for picking up rubbish, scanning student cards at stairways to encourage stair use and trivia quizzes with treats to promote punctuality in Homerooms.

YES, YOUR HONOUR

The law elective, Yes, Your Honour, remains a popular choice for students fascinated by the criminal justice system. The course covers key concepts of the Victorian criminal justice system, focusing on crime types, murder defences and the roles of key personnel in the courtroom. Students analyse past and present criminal cases, gaining a deeper understanding of legal processes. The highlight of the unit is a mock murder trial, where students role-play (in full costume!) in front of a jury composed of staff. This immersive experience helps develop advocacy skills, problemsolving abilities and a deeper appreciation of the legal system. Each year, the Notre Monde electives are reviewed and refined to ensure they provide the best learning experiences for our students. By fostering practical skills and real-world applications, the Program prepares students for their future beyond school. Emily Cedro Humanities Learning Leader

A visit to Sophie’s Farm

NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

During the mid-year school holidays, my family and I had the opportunity to visit Sophie’s Farm in the Philippines. Founded and operated by the RSCJ order and Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation (SHIFT) inc – the farm has expanded its mission from providing support to local residents through farming and various workshop opportunities to sponsoring university students. It provides scholarships, bursaries, accommodation and meals throughout their studies at the nearby University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). At present, Sophie’s Farm is supporting 25 scholars as well as running a similar support program for 20 or so local high school students. These scholarships are funded in part by income generated from the Farm’s activities and by donations received from Sacred Heart connections that have been forged by SHIFT and Sr Lydia Collado rscj.

During the university break, Sophie’s Farm runs a Summer Seminar Series for students. We attended the first of these that ran for six days. The gathering included the community of Sophie’s Farm scholars and staff, invited students from UEP, guest teachers and lecturers from Manila and us! The week consisted of many different opportunities such as workshops, beach activities, liturgies and discussion groups, accompanied with laughter and friendship. We were warmly welcomed and quickly felt at ease as we engaged in the Seminar.

Each year members of our graduating Year 12 class are offered a unique immersion

experience of volunteering at Sophie’s Farm. For over 10 years now, alumnae have experienced the hospitality of the community at the Farm. Sacré Cœur families and community have also participated each year in the Shoes for Samar Backpack Program. Each generously donated backpack is packed and later distributed by our students who visit Sophie’s Farm in December. The recipients are children and their families from a nearby fishing village Dona Lucia just a few hundred metres from Sophie’s Farm. Seeing the living conditions at Dona Lucia impressed upon me the importance of this annual gift. Their need is great and the relief provided by the backpacks is much appreciated. It was certainly a wonderful experience to live at Sophie’s Farm, even if briefly. The time spent reinforced many of the values we commit to as a Sacred Heart school and a global network. We came away with a new perspective, new connections and the hope that we may one day return.

Anna Straford (Staff) travelled with her four children Alice (Class of 2020), Lucy (Class of 2023) Patrick and David.

Anna Straford Year 12 Co-ordinator

Celebrating our Commitment to Reconciliation

In the lead-up to Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, which occur during the June/July school holidays, our School proudly demonstrated its commitment to our Reconciliation Action Plan through various meaningful activities and events. One of the highlights was the Senior School Assembly, where we had the honour of welcoming Uncle Colin, a respected Elder, who performed a traditional smoking ceremony. This ceremony was a powerful moment for our School Community, symbolizing purification and the acknowledgement of our collective commitment to reconciliation.

This year’s focus was on deepening our understanding of Sorry Day and the stories of the Stolen Generations. Students actively participated in a whole school display,

expressing their sorrow and empathy for what happened to the Stolen Generations. This poignant display was a visual representation of our dedication to acknowledging and learning from the past.

Our Joigny students also engaged deeply with Australia’s First Nations culture and history. They participated in units of work in art, inquiry and storytelling, furthering their knowledge and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations people. These activities allowed our younger students to explore and express their understanding through creative and thoughtful projects.

In the Secondary School, Year 7 students had the unique opportunity to work with artist Emma Stenhouse. Emma conducted workshops that emphasized the connection to land and the significance of art and storytelling in First

Nations cultures. Through these workshops, students developed a deeper appreciation of the ways in which art and storytelling serve as vital expressions of cultural identity and heritage.

Our School Community’s active participation in these events highlights our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the importance of educating our students about the history, culture, and contributions of Australia’s First Nations people. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to fostering an environment of understanding, respect, and inclusivity for all.

Let’s continue this journey together, embracing the values of reconciliation and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations people.

Brigit Keel

Global Connections Leader P-12

Connecting Classrooms

A JOURNEY OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OVER THE WINTER HOLIDAYS

For many years, educators have emphasized the importance of experiential learning, often confined to traditional classrooms. One way to escape beyond these walls is through sister-school partnerships. Seven years ago, I reached out to schools in France, seeking a pen pal program, and Groupe Scolaire Sophie Barat (GSSB) near Paris responded.

For six years, Year 5 and 6 students have enjoyed letter writing, which helps them use language skills and motivates

reading and writing. The excitement of receiving letters from France enriches their learning experience, broadening their perspectives and fostering empathy, respect and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Over the holidays, I visited our sister school in Paris, meeting colleagues and students we’ve been corresponding with. This visit allowed me to better understand the Parisian school system and collaborate on improving our program. Our partnership now includes Year 11 student school immersions, further enhancing our ties.

My overseas journey also took me to Sacré Cœur Riedenberg in Austria, where I

worked on establishing school immersion opportunities for Year 11 students. Sacré Cœur Riedenberg emphasizes bilingual teaching as well as supporting personal growth, fostering creativity and encouraging social responsibility, aligning closely with our own objectives.

Visits to Groupe Scolaire Sophie Barat and Sacré Cœur Riedenberg deepened my appreciation for our Sacred Heart network, highlighting our shared goals and values. These partnerships foster mutual learning, understanding, and respect, developing global citizens who are open to the world.

Brigit Keel Global Connections Leader P-12

Performing Arts

Music has thrived this year, marked by significant achievements and growth. For both Joigny and Senior School music students, Brynmawr, our Music School, continues to be a vibrant hub for learning, ensemble rehearsals and community-building.

In Joigny, some of the standout moments of the year included the delightful Grandparents Day concert, the Year 2 String Program performances and the beloved Joigny Music Concert, where student leadership played a crucial role both onstage and behind the scenes. The Joigny musical ‘Nursery Crimes’ allowed all students from Prep to Year 6 to celebrate their collective talent in song and dance.

In the Senior School, student participation in music reached an all-time high, with events such as the Arts Festival, Soirées, Music Camp and the Senior Music Concert, capturing and celebrating the true spirit of our School. The Senior School Music Concert celebrated the voices of our students as they explored a variety of repertoire that held deep significance for them. Our program featured the rich storytelling of our First Nations people, the oldest living culture on the planet, whose songs carry profound history and wisdom. Additionally, we honoured composers and music across many genres and styles that inspire and uplift. We were delighted to present the debut of

our Year 7 students and selected Joigny musicians, showcasing their budding talent and enthusiasm for music.

Our Music Programs unite the community through a shared love of music, and each day, we witness the empowerment it brings to our students. This communal bond through music not only enriches their educational experience but also strengthens the fabric of our Community.

Rebecca Long School Events Co-ordinator

Deirdre O’Grady Music Learning Leader

Arts Fest

Theatre Studies

Witch was a striking and thought-provoking production presented by The VCE Theatre Studies class in May. The production explored the terrible yet fascinating true history of women being labelled and persecuted as witches – a social issue that unfortunately still persists in numerous countries today. Original scenes, written in response to the students’ historical and cultural research, were interspersed with a variety of excerpts from well-known plays such as Macbeth and The Crucible The student cast members are commended for their exemplary acting, skilful tackling of diverse roles and performing in a broad range of acting styles. These same students were responsible for the evocative staging, designing and creating of the costumes, props and set that, along with the use of multimedia and other theatre technologies, made this unique production so memorable.

Dr Diane Gavelis Director of Witch

Festival of Ideas

Term 2 remained dynamic and full of creative projects, with the Festival of Ideas standing out as a highlight. The Festival of Ideas offers students a unique platform to work collaboratively and take control of their artistic projects, from creation to presentation and audience interaction.

This initiative emphasizes not only the final outcomes but also the students’ learning journey, thought processes and creative development. Students in Years 7 through 10 had the opportunity to showcase their work during Semester 1, and with guidance from teachers, they organised events designed to engage viewers with their ideas and creative endeavors. Exhibition space was provided on the ground floor of the Heritage Building, where students displayed their works on dedicated boards.

Additionally, student-produced short films, animations, video clips and moving images were shown on screens in the Kirby. Congratulations to all students on an outstanding exhibition! Your hard work, creativity, and dedication truly shone through, making the event a remarkable success.

Maria LaTorre Technologies and Creative Arts Teacher

Artist in Residence –Emma Stenhouse

Sacré Cœur’s Artist in Residence Program is designed to foster a deeper appreciation of art and craftsmanship by connecting celebrated Indigenous artists and makers with learners through authentic, immersive experiences. This year’s Artist in Residence was a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and contemporary Indigenous artist, Emma Stenhouse. Emma’s storyworks are a beautiful reflection of her deep connection to the land and the strong female role models who have shaped her worldview. Her narratives are rich with the wisdom and experiences of these women, intertwined with the landscape that has nurtured her. By drawing on her relationship with the land and the guidance of influential female figures, Emma’s stories not only preserve cultural heritage but also offer insights into the profound interplay between environment, identity and community.

Emma offered the Year 7 students the opportunity to engage directly with Indigenous art forms, techniques and cultural practices, facilitating hands-on learning and meaningful exchanges. By highlighting the contributions of Indigenous artists and incorporating their perspectives, the Program enriched participants’ understanding of both the artistic process and the cultural significance behind the works. Emma’s workshop led to students exploring and expressing their own cultures through a diverse range of artworks. By integrating their personal histories and cultural backgrounds into their creations, students were able to produce pieces that were deeply meaningful and unique.

Maria LaTorre Technologies and Creative Arts Teacher

Sport

The 2024 sporting year kicked off with tremendous energy here at Burke Road.

Our program’s success was grounded in the enthusiastic participation and team spirit of our students, with over 300 involved in sports each term.

First semester has been filled with impressive moments across various sports. A highlight was the GSV Triathlon, where 46 students showcased their talents in both team and individual events. Special congratulations to Coco B (Year 12) for her remarkable 3rd place finish in the Individual Senior Division.

Our Swimming and Diving Squad continued to excel, with 100 students diving into practice every Monday and Friday. We’re proud of our representatives who shone at the GSV Finals: Francesca H (Year 12) in 50m Breaststroke and 50m Fly, Tilly M (Year 10) in 100m Free and 50m Breaststroke, Maisy G (Year 8) in 100m Free, 50m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly, and Tyleigh G (Year 8) in Diving with 121.45 points. A heartfelt thanks to our coaches Maddie Marshall, Allegra Reid, Charlotte Fay, Lily French, Bridie Davison, Lily Bourke and Isabelle Kohinga for their unwavering dedication.

Our GSV sports teams have shown exceptional skill and perseverance. The focus in our Softball program has been on skill development and teamwork, resulting in the formation of

three junior teams and increased participation. Our Tennis teams, under Master Coach, Victor, made it to finals day at Melbourne Park, with our Senior A and Inter D sides narrowly missing out on the Grand Final.

Indoor Cricket had a stellar season, with our Senior A and Senior B teams facing off in the Grand Final, where Senior A emerged victorious. Our Junior A, Junior B and Inter A teams also clinched the gold under immense pressure, yet they never looked so calm. Thank you to the leadership of coaches Walter Tedde, Elliot Tench and Ellen Lyons.

Netball continued to be a major focus in Term 2, with 23 teams across Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels. Fifteen teams reached Finals Day, with five winning premierships. Congratulations to Junior SAC Teams 2, 3, 6 & 7, and Inter SAC 2. A big thank you to our coaches and facilitators Katherine Bryant, Fiona Morse and Jessica Clarke. Special recognition to Sophie Roberts (Year 12) for her selection to the GSV Representative Team. Our Hockey program has also thrived, with both Senior and Junior teams making it to finals day. Thanks to coaches Tom White, Marika Davison and Ella Paice, the program continues to grow. Our AFL 9s and Senior AFL teams delivered phenomenal performances, with Junior AFL 9s and Tedde’s Titans remaining undefeated throughout the season. It is amazing to see such agile and tenacious athletes on the field.

In Cross Country, our squad performed admirably, finishing fourth overall at the GSV Carnival events. Our Senior students excelled, coming first overall on Championship Day, with Coco B finishing in the top 20. Several students also participated in the Athletics Vic All Schools Cross Country Relay: Coco B, Leni P, Bridget S, Millie W, Gabrielle N, Ivy F, Eve C, Maisy G, Tilly M, Molly R, Helena B and Annie N.

Well done for your efforts this Cross-Country Season. Looking ahead, students will again engage in a diverse range of sports, including the Victorian Interschool Snow Sports Program, GSV Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket and Track & Field. We eagerly anticipate more exciting stories about their achievements in 2025. Cor Unum.

Jessica Clarke Director of Sport

Olympics

OUR DIVING STAR: ANABELLE SMITH

Anabelle’s journey from Sacré Cœur to the grand stages of the Olympics is a testament to her dedication and passion for diving.

Anabelle joined Sacré Cœur in Year 7 in 2005 and graduated in 2010. She commenced her career in competitive diving at Ringwood Diving Club, where she honed her skills before moving on to the Victorian Institute of Sport. Anabelle’s exceptional talent and perseverance led her to represent

Australia in four consecutive Olympic Games: London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024. Anabelle is a quadruple Olympian, Olympic Bronze medallist (Rio) and Commonwealth Games Champion. She is a member of the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) Athlete Training Committee. In recognition of her achievements, we proudly display Anabelle’s swimsuits from her Olympic appearances in the Duchesne Theatrette. These mementos serve as an inspiration to current students, symbolizing the heights that talent, perseverance and hard work can achieve. Despite her busy schedule, Anabelle remains

closely connected to Sacré Cœur, often visiting the School after major competitions. She brings her medals, allowing students and staff to touch, feel, and even wear these symbols of achievement. Her visits are always a source of excitement and pride for the School community. She returned to the School in 2023 to coach diving, sharing her expertise with aspiring athletes. This visit was particularly meaningful, and a testament to Anabelle’s generous spirit, as she was recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. We are immensely proud of you Anabelle.

PAIGE GRECO –A TRAILBLAZER IN PARA-CYCLING

Paige’s journey from our classrooms to the global para-cycling stage is truly inspiring.

Paige joined Joigny in Year 3 in 2006 and graduated from Sacré Cœur in 2015. Her sporting career began in Para-athletics, but she made a pivotal switch to Paracycling in 2018. In 2019, Paige debuted at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. She shattered three world records in just two days and won gold medals in the C3 3km individual pursuit and the C3 500m time trial. Paige also secured a silver medal

in the women’s scratch race C3, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para-cycling.

Her accomplishments continued at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup, where she claimed three gold medals, including a victory in the women’s time trial C3. Her incredible performances earned her a spot on the Australian Paralympic Team for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games. At the Tokyo Games, Paige won the first gold medal for Australia, setting a new world record in the women’s 3000m individual pursuit C1-3 with a time of 3:50.815. She also won bronze medals in the women’s road time trial C1-3 and the women’s road race C1-3, showcasing her versatility and resilience.

Her favourite quote, “ You don’t know what you’re capable of until you’re in the moment ” perfectly encapsulates her approach to life and sport.

We are honoured to have a framed cycling suit from Paige’s Tokyo Paralympics, symbolizing her incredible achievements and serving as an inspiration to all. We look forward to presenting it to her as a token of our pride and admiration.

French Village Fair

Careers Breakfast

Our alumnae are certainly making their mark on the world!

Joining us at our Careers Breakfast were 24 exemplary alumnae, who shared their career journeys since leaving Sacré Cœur with our Years 10, 11 and 12 students.

We recognise the valuable resource that our amazing alumnae offer in acting as role models and providing support for our students. We sincerely thank all the speakers who generously gave their time in preparing their table conversations, highlighting their open hearts and open minds, whilst communicating the infinite possibilities that are available to our students.

The Hall was buzzing as our students engaged so meaningfully with their Sacré Cœur mentors over breakfast. Thanks also to all students who attended. An inspirational and heartwarming vibe could be felt in the room! Our Cor Unum spirit shines brightly!

Pauline Steedman Careers Counsellor

VCE Excellence

CLASS OF 2023 DUX: POLLY HARA

Only two thoughts occupied my mind on results day. The first: is this what it all boils down to? Does a number represent my whole year? I fell into the same trap during exams, worrying that all my hard work—6 years of learning, endless study, extracurriculars, questioning and investigating—would be worth nil compared with a 2 hour exam. But this fear is furthest from the truth. Now that I have an ATAR, have enrolled in university and am spending my first summer in years not studying, I can properly look back on what was an amazing, joyous year. At the top of the School, at the precipice of so much change, Year 12 was really a year of fun and freedom. I enjoyed learning, enjoyed writing, enjoyed spending lunches with my gorgeous Year 7 and 8s in Debate Club or with friends in our exclusive Common Room. I remember the in-between moments: lunches, email chains, routines after SACs, weekends with friends, writing competitions, snacks before debating, coffee shop hideouts and too many Spotify hours. My year did not culminate in just a number, or study scores; instead I strengthened friendships, explored my opportunities beyond the gates, celebrated the end of high school properly and filled every day with an abundance of love. It’s worth noting that after 5 years of doing school assigned Character Strength tests and consistently ranking Love of Learning first, my Year 12 strength was simply Love.

My second thought: what’s next? I’m ready to travel, ready to learn new things in new ways. I can safely leave high school behind me, knowing I’m ready for the world. It probably helped that I learnt my ATAR while in Verona, surrounded by delicious Italian food, pretty streets and my loving family. I apologise to Ms Steedman for my 3am bewilderment (time zones were not in my favour) when she

phoned to congratulate me on achieving Dux. I’m sure I said thank you; I’m not sure I mentioned how much Sacré Cœur has meant to me, how the VCE process was so much easier with the support of my teachers, how whatever I do with my life will be driven by my time at this brilliant School.

I came to Sacré Cœur without knowing anyone, and I’ve left with lifetime friends, a wealth of knowledge, and a community I know I can turn to through adulthood. I’m thankful I embraced the opportunities and adventures that popped up. I participated in the 2019 Sacred Heart Exchange Program to Kincoppal-Rose Bay and the 2022 Red Earth Immersion, entered every debate and public speaking competition from DAV to UN Youth, tutored at Friday Night School, successfully got into the E and F teams of GSV Netball/Softball/Cricket/Soccer/ Swimming/Basketball, and sang horribly in Year 7 Choir and most of the productions. My best friend and I did a two day Model UN the weekend after the Year 11 social, and our research mostly consisted of last minute wikipedia and “surely it’s common sense”. Definitely no wins, but one of the best weekends of that year.

My proudest moments at Sacré Cœur came from running Debate Club as 2023 Public Speaking Prefect. I rocked up to every period 5 Chemistry lesson with the biggest smile, having adjudicated a wild and impromptu lunchtime debate with the Year 7s. Our Year 12

Debate Team might have been DAV semifinalists but the Monday lunch debate on whether everyone should be vegetarian will be one for the ages.

I found a safe and happy space in writing, debating, discussing anything and everything in English and Lit, but also failing Chem pracs and binding my Methods notes. In retrospect, I know that everyone’s journey was different. It’s what makes Sacré Cœur such an amazing school—that I could thrive in one space and watch everyone else thrive in their spaces. I might have been in the E and F Teams for GSV, but I’m nevertheless proud of our School’s sporting achievements; I might sing off key and will never pick up an instrument but I am enraptured by the choirs, ensembles, orchestras.

Talent abounds, and Sacré Cœur has offered me a front row seat.

Right now, I think a lot about the tribulations and celebrations of high school, but I’m looking forward too. I’m very fortunate that “what comes next” has no bounds, which is handy when I don’t know what that entails. I do know I’m going to study Arts at the University of Melbourne, that I want to write, join the uni debate club, maybe learn sign language, go on exchange; but in three/four years I’m not sure what my life—what the world—will be like. Dad told me not to rule out running for Prime Minister, so maybe my Year 6 dream will come true, who knows?

MEDIAN ATAR 91.18 MEDIAN STUDY SCORE 36

Tertiary

Polly Hara

Bridget Diviny

Lucy Westmore

Allegra Reid

Isabella Ronchi

Maisha Li

Xintian (Tracy) Cai

Charlotte Fay

Phoebe Gao

Jessie Lieu

Parents’ Association

There is strong evidence that parent engagement in school is associated with improvements in academic attainment of students. This includes early literacy as well as student attendance, motivation and self-regulation. Parent involvement in their children’s school also impacts the development of social skills and even graduation rates.

Schools that prioritise parental engagement help create a positive, collaborative culture that ultimately benefits students. Therefore, it is important for a school to welcome not just their students but also their parents. This welcome was extended this year through the Parents’ Association (PA) Facebook page, created by Stephanie Davies.

Sacré Cœur is lucky to have such a strong and proactive Parents’ Association. The PA works in conjunction with the School and all families to build a strong and inclusive sense of community at Sacré Cœur by

providing rich opportunities for parents to connect. Each Year Level hosts events organised by the aptly named Community Builders. These events include morning teas, dinners, bowling and evening social gatherings, with the aim of allowing parents to get to know their daughter’s friends’ parents. The PA also hosts a Mother and Daughter Mass and Breakfast, a Father and Daughter Mass and Breakfast, a Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day stall, Joigny picnic and Joigny Grandparents’ Afternoon and other social events. Each of these occasions is joyous and celebrates the special relationships of our students with their family members within the larger School C ommunity.

Each year, the Parents’ Association also organises special events for the entire School C ommunity. A highlight of the year is the annual Cocktail Evening, held in the School’s Hall Courtyard. Blessed by a balmy evening on 2 March this year, parents from Prep

to Year 12, danced under the stars, sampled delicious finger food and met families new to the School.

The Ladies’ Lunch held at Leonda by the Yarra on Friday 14 June brought nearly 300 Sacré Cœur mums together to share lunch as well as their stories of motherhood and life. The noise marked by loud laughter, emphasised the importance of bringing women together. The event also raised over $5000 for Foodbank to help provide for families in need. I sincerely thank the Parents’ Association Events Coordinators: Maria Claydon, Effie Kitas-Vlahos and Pette Liacopoulos and their supporting teams for these amazing events.

The Second-Hand Uniform Shop is also run by the Parents’ Association. Parent volunteers sort uniforms and assist in the shop which is open two mornings a week. This provides parents with a more affordable option and the money raised is then put back into the community helping

to subsidise events. Thank you to Suzanne De Reus, Maria Claydon and Effie Kitas-Vlahos for the smooth running of the shop in 2024.

All of this would not be possible without the generosity of our parents, especially the hardworking members of the Parents’ Association Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to thank this year’s C ommittee for their dedication and support.

President: Gerry Rodrigues

Vice President: Theo Efthymiou

Secretary: Stephanie Davies

Treasurer: Trhia Tarentino

Community Builders Representative: Jyana Luba

Events: Maria Claydon, Effie Kitas-Vlahos, Pette Liacopoulos

SHUS: Maria Claydon and Effie Kitas-Vlahos

General Committee: Veronica Chavarria, Patrick Wu, Marie Deduni De Saram

Our School and our students greatly benefit from your work and efforts.

For further information about the Parents’ Association and how you can get involved, please visit the PA web page which can be found on the School website sacrecoeur.vic.edu.au or join the PA Facebook Page facebook.com/groups/768131498443547

Alumnae News

The Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association held a lively AGM on 15 May, kicking off a busy period for all involved. On this same night, we farewelled Kerry Bergin (1960) from the Committee, and thanked Kerry for her tremendous contribution to the Alumnae Association. Kerry joined the Committee in 1975 - 1976 as President and again in 2018 as Co-President with Marianne Cassin. We also farewelled and thanked our recent past Alumnae Association President, Gemma Rice Van Heer (2014) for her contribution during her term. With this transition came new nominations which resulted in the joint investitures of Celeste Medcalfe (1987) and Mylinh Lee (1989) as new Co-Presidents of the Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association for 2024 – 2026. Celeste and Mylinh look forward to continuing the important work of supporting all who have studied at Sacré Cœur and are working on some exciting new developments

that will herald an exciting chapter of the Association.

In other Alumnae Association news, the 2024 French Village Fair was c’est bon! For those who stopped by the Alumnae Association photo booth, we loved seeing so many familiar faces. The Cor Unum spirit was everything we hoped it would be.

The Annual Mass and High Tea on Sunday 24 May was another highlight. This year, we saw alumnae returning to Burke Road from all decades, including a special reunion for the Class of 1954, 1964 and 1974. The School tour drew big smiles from all alumnae as they traipsed up and down the iconic Brown Stairs, into Mater’s Chapel, the School Chapel, and peaked into the award winning new building that extends seamlessly from the older part of the School. The following is an excerpt of a charming thank you letter from Leoni Plunkett (1954) who attended the event.

“Although there are not many still with us from the Class of 1954, you gave us such a warm welcome and we all felt very much at home. The School tour was truly amazing; there was so much to see and admire, especially the beautiful and spacious new buildings. The students of today have been so well catered for!”

As we settle into our new roles as Co-Presidents, we thank the School and the Parents’ Association for their ongoing support of the Alumnae Association. We also want to thank most warmly our Committee members who continue to serve with pride, love of School and with distinction.

Yours in Cor Unum Celeste Medcalfe and Mylinh Lee Co-Presidents, Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association

Commemorative Tea Towel

To celebrate 135 Years of Sacré Cœur, the Alumnae Association have produced a commemorative tea towel. It was launched at the Alumnae High Tea and was a popular purchase for the home and as gifts. Buy yours today!

Order for Delivery or Collect from Reception at the School via www.trybooking.com/CJJPR

Reunions

The vibrancy and energy at the 1989 reunion we hosted earlier this year certainly underscore our purpose as an Association and our bond as a community. We thank those who have volunteered to help co-ordinate the Alumnae reunions this year.

Class of 1989

Class of 1954

Class of 1964

Class of 1974

Annual Mass and High Tea

On Sunday 26 May, we hosted one of our favourite alumnae events, the Annual Mass and High Tea, in the Kirby. As part of this wonderful event we celebrated the class reunions for years 1954, 1964 & 1974.

There was a wonderful buzz of chatter and laughter as many generations enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. There was a lot of reminiscing and it was great to see the alumnae swapping stories and reflecting upon their time at Sacré Cœur.

Alumnae Story Swimming the English Channel

Kristen Kearns (nee Hunt 1987) realised her dream of swimming the English Channel on 29 August and completed the famous 34 km swim in open waters in 10 hours and 47 minutes. During her time at Sacré Cœur, the name Kristen Hunt was synonymous with excellence in swimming. Kristen swam for the Victorian State Team in backstroke when she was younger, and after a 30 year break from competing to focus on her career in Residential Aged Care, Kristen got back into her well loved sport and has been training for the past 4 years for the English Channel Swim. Supported and coached by her father, Michael Hunt and husband Aaron Kearns, Kristen swam in 16 degree water temperature wearing just bathers, ‘one’ swim cap and a pair of goggles - strict regulations for the swim to be authenticated and accredited by the Channel Swimming Association. In preparation for the swim, Kristen gained 10 kilos to ensure her organs would be sufficiently insulated.

Leaving from Sampire Hoe near Dover on the Kent coast and across to just below Calais to Cap Gris-Nez, France, she did not stop or touch the boat. We are in awe of this determined alumnae and congratulate Kristen on this amazing achievement!

Through Alfred Health, Kristen is raising funds for Headspace as they were a great family support during COVID. Anyone wanting to donate, please do so here: https://fundraising.alfredfoundation.org.au/kristen-kearnsswimming-the-english-channel-for-headspace

We Remember

We remember the alumnae members of our Sacré Cœur community who have recently died, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

RSCJ Vale Sr Phil.

Wednesday 17 July 2024 was the tenth anniversary of the MH17 tragedy when a Russian-backed attack brought a plane down over eastern Ukraine. On this flight were 38 Australians, including RSCJ Sr Philomene Tiernan, alumna of Stuartholme.

We remember Sr Phil as a passionate teacher, a friend to all and a very spiritual person. Through her leadership roles as the Province Superior and Province Director of Mission, she had an indelible impact in shaping the Sacred Heart communities in each of our ANZNet schools.

Although Sr Phil predominantly lived at Kincoppal Rose Bay, she spent periods of time teaching at Sacrè Cœur and living in the Barat community. She was also a member of the School Council.

We remember Sr Phil each springtime as a garden bed on the southern edge of the property begins to bloom. The flowers have been raised from seeds gathered in an eastern Ukrainian field - the crash site of Sr Phil’s plane.

ALUMNAE

Elaine Walters OAM 1956

Wednesday 8 May 2024

President of the Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association 2013, Foundation Board Member, Brynmawr Society Member.

Awarded a 2000 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community, particularly through education in the area of substance abuse, and to the support of families of those affected by drug dependency.

Vale Basil Crowley Vale Basil Crowley

Basil Crowley, integral member and great supporter of the Sacré Cœur community sadly passed away on 22 February 2024. Basil was an active member of the Building and Property Management Committee for 21 years. Basil’s building company was responsible for renovating the façade of Brynmawr. As a member of the Building and Property Committee, Basil was closely involved with the renovation of the Joigny wing, construction of the Kirby, the McGuinness and JES Centres, the Chapel restoration and garden renovation. Basil

Judith Dynan (nee Hawting) 1951

Wednesday 15 May 2024

The mother of Jen (1977), Marg and Elizabeth (1981) and sister of Brenda Ryan (nee Hawting) 1956

Doreen Muir 1964

Friday 8 March 2024

Sister of Susan Need (1962, Aunt of Liz Need (1991))

Helen Mapleback 1951

Saturday 8 June 2024

Sister of Francoise Mapleback (1953)

Shaan Brooker (Jones) 1993

Sunday 1 September 2024

Sister of Susannah Jonas (1997)

was also on the Building and Property Committee during the car park and Sophie Centre builds, generously offering his expertise, level-headedness and support.

Basil and his wife Niki were active members of the Parents’ Association from 2000 to 2010, with Basil serving several terms as Vice President. Basil was always willing to volunteer his time to the School and enjoyed meeting many members of the School community.

Basil was the proud father of daughters, Katherine (2008)

and Charlotte (2010) and loving husband to wife Niki.

He is the Grandparent of Freddie Sullivan, Penelope Sullivan, Harriet Morris (2031) and Phillipa Morris. He was the uncle of Tom Crowley and father-in-law of Ben Sullivan and Sam Morris. Basil was brother-in-law to Dr Helen Crowley (1972) and Patsy Crowley (1970). Basil was uncle to Annabelle Crowley (2028) and Lucy Muller (2028).

He will be missed by all who knew him.Our condolences extend to the whole Crowley family.

We Welcome

Amy Lauritz (nee Kopciewicz 2001) and husband Peter Lauritz welcomed the birth of their third child, daughter, Polly Rose Lauritz, in April 2024.

Jane Murfett (nee Moran 1977) welcomed her first grandchild, “Freddie” on 14 September 2024.

Julia Puccini (class of 1996) would like to announce the birth of her daughter Arabella Madeline Puccini born 2 August 2024 at St Vincent’s Private Hospital at 7:46am.

Weighing in at 3.24 kgs (7 lbs 1 oz) and 50.5 cm long.

Share Your Story

We would love to hear your news. Please share your stories via email: alumnae@sac.vic.edu.au

We Congratulate

Brigitte Kourasanis (2014) engaged to Lachlan Hawthorn

Olivia Condina-Hibon (2017) engaged to Scott Devereux

Audrey Santamaria (2017) engaged to Jordan Troiani

Mietta Fry (2017) engaged to Jeremy Pitt

Lauren Botter (2012) engaged to Zac Smith

Anna Pavlou (2019) engaged to James Ditchfield The two will marry at Sacré Cœur Chapel in 2025.

Olivia Condina-Hibon (2017) engaged to Scott Devereux

Mietta Fry (2017) engaged to Jeremy Pitt

Lauren Botter (2012) engaged to Zac Smith

Sacré Cœur Netball Club

2024 has seen the Netball C lub continue to grow and enjoy incredible successes.

Over 2024, the students have achieved the following:

• 23 teams played in the Autumn season, the largest number of teams we’ve entered at WDNA

• 11 teams made their divisions Grand Final

• 4 teams won their Grand Final

We are incredibly proud of all the students and all that they have achieved, all while having fun and building lifelong friendships.

As part of some team bonding, the students also enjoyed an evening at Melbourne Vixens game and cheered on their idols!

Congratulations to all players who participated. We look forward to another fun season. We are always looking for more girls wanting to play.

To keep up to date with the teams, follow us on Instagram @sacrecoeurnetballclub

Go SAC!!

One Heart

Sacré Cœur Family Support

One Heart Sacré Cœur Family Support provides practical assistance to families in the School community experiencing times of crisis.

We support families with home cooked meals prepared by generous parent volunteers.

Please scan the QR code to be included on the One Heart Volunteer Network Database

Thank you in advance for supporting this important Sacré Cœur initiative. Your help is greatly appreciated.

It is envisioned that you will be contacted on very few occasions during the year.

2024 Burke Road Bulletin Issue #32

Burke Road Bulletin

Burke Road Bulletin

Diary Dates 2025

TERM 1 (10 WEEKS)

TERM 2 (10 WEEKS)

TERM 3 (9 WEEKS)

TERM 4 (9 WEEKS)

SCHOLARSHIPS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ALUMNAE EVENTS

From the Board

From the Principal

Future Fit

Blue Ribbons

Joigny

FUTURE-FITTING THIS GENERATION

JOIGNY POD-CASTING STUDIO

FOSTERING SELF-EFFICACY

IGNATIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Mimovitch

Sacred Heart Week

Sacred Heart Conference

Notre Monde – Year 9 Program

HUMANITIES NOTRE MONDE ELECTIVES: AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

MONEY MATTERS

THINKING ECONOMICALLY

YES, YOUR HONOUR

A visit to Sophie’s Farm

NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

Celebrating our Commitment to Reconciliation

Connecting Classrooms

A JOURNEY OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OVER THE WINTER HOLIDAYS

Performing Arts

Arts Fest

Theatre Studies

Festival of Ideas

Artist in Residence –Emma Stenhouse

Sport

Olympics

OUR DIVING STAR: ANABELLE SMITH

PAIGE GRECO –A TRAILBLAZER IN PARA-CYCLING

French Village Fair

Careers Breakfast

VCE Excellence

CLASS OF 2023 DUX: POLLY HARA

MEDIAN ATAR 91.18 MEDIAN STUDY SCORE 36

Parents’ Association

Archives

Alumnae News

Reunions

Annual Mass and High Tea

Alumnae Story Swimming the English Channel

We Remember

ALUMNAE

Vale Basil Crowley Vale Basil Crowley

We Welcome

Share Your Story

We Congratulate

Sacré Cœur Netball Club

One Heart