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Hearts News – Week 2 Term 2 2026

100 Days of Year 12 to go

The finish line is in sight for our amazing Year 12 ‘Class of 2026’ with just 100 days of classes remaining as of yesterday! To our graduating class, this final chapter of your journey is a moment to recognise the persistence, hard work and dedication you’ve shown along the way. The weeks ahead will be busy with assessments, exams and important decisions about life beyond school, so stay motivated and support one another. Every step you take now is shaping what comes next. Courageous Hearts 💙

To our Sacred Heart College community

This Sunday, we acknowledge and thank the mothers, grandmothers, carers, and significant women who play such an important role in the lives of our young people. The support, sacrifice, encouragement, and consistency provided by families sits behind so much of what students are able to achieve, often without recognition. We thank all mothers and mother figures within our community for the contribution they make, not only to their own children, but to the life of the College more broadly – to all of these women in our community, enjoy your special day!

May is also recognised within the Catholic tradition as the Month of Mary. Across the coming weeks, students and staff will have opportunities to reflect on Mary as a model of faith, humility, and service. Within the Marist tradition especially, Mary remains central not simply as a figure of devotion, but as one who always points us towards Jesus and the call to bring Christ to life in the way we live, serve, and relate to others.

This week also marks an important milestone for our Year 12 students, with Wednesday representing 100 school days remaining until the end of their formal schooling. While there is still much work to be done, milestones such as this serve as a reminder that the final year moves quickly. We look forward to continuing to support our Year 12 students through the challenges, responsibilities, and celebrations that will shape the remainder of their time at Sacred Heart College.

Daniel Head
Deputy Principal


Commemorating Anzac Day

Students and staff from across our College community proudly commemorated ANZAC Day by attending local dawn services and participating in ceremonies at each campus, honouring the courage, sacrifice and service of all who have served our nation.

During the term break, Student Leaders took part in ANZAC Day Dawn Services within our local community. At Hallett Cove, Cian (Champagnat Campus Captain) and Liana (Year 9 Mission Leader), and at Brighton, Dihini and Leo (College Captains), along with Callum and Josalie-Kate (Year 12 Mission Captains), laid wreaths and represented the College community.

In Week 1, ANZAC Day Ceremonies were held at both Champagnat and Marcellin campuses, providing an opportunity to honour and reflect on the service and sacrifice of past and present members of the armed forces, including many old scholars. At Champagnat Campus, the last post and rouse was played by Charlie (Year 9) and the National Anthem was sung by Sonia (Year 8) and Sophia (Year 8). At Marcellin Campus, Student Leaders led ceremonies on the Hearts Lawn, with the National Anthem sung by Gregory (Year 11) and Lily (Year 11).


We have a new website!

The new Sacred Heart College website is here, featuring an updated design and improved navigation to better support our community. Current families can now access key resources, updates, and information through the new Hearts Hub, your central place for all things Sacred Heart.

Visit the new website at shc.sa.edu.au


Meet our Student Leaders – 2026 Boarding Captains

In each Hearts News, two of our 2026 portfolio leaders will take part in a brief Q&A session so you can get to know them a little better. In celebration of National Boarding Week 2026 (10 – 16 May), this week we meet Year 12 Boarding Captains, Lily Faklis and Levi Smith.

  • Lily Faklis, 2026 Year 12 Boarding Captain

    What does leadership mean to you?
    Leadership to me means supporting everyone within the community by being a kind, caring person and a role model to all. To be a leader you must be passionate, selfless and listen to your peers as you’re a voice for everyone. Within the Boarding House I find it especially important to do everything in my power to ensure it is a positive environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable.

    What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
    Being a Marist Leader means to display not only the Marist characteristics but to also live in the footsteps of St Marcellin Champagnat. As a Marist Leader, I hope to demonstrate this by being driven and showing genuine love and care for all people and having a strong sense of community.

    What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
    I resonate mostly with both Simplicity and Presence because they encourage me to be the most authentic and humble version of myself. I feel that everyone is so busy and caught up in life, and it is important to me that I take a look around and value the simple things.

    As a Leader this year, what is your main focus for the Hearts community and what do you hope to achieve?
    The ultimate goal this year is to bring everyone closer together. I hope that everyone feels a part of the Hearts Family in school life, and especially in the Boarding House. I hope that everyone in the Boarding House enjoys their year and make memories that will last forever. As a leader I will do everything in my power to make it feel like a home.

    A teacher I admire at SHC is:
    I admire Ms Cvorkov. When teaching she shows genuine care towards people and is so passionate about the subjects she teaches. She is simply a lovely human being to be around.

    The best thing about attending SHC is:
    How supportive everyone is and much we can all come together as a community.

    Three (3) words that describe my personality are:
    Passionate, caring and dedicated.

    My favourite book is:
    ‘Magnolia Parks’ by Jessa Hastings.

    My favourite song is:
    ‘Lush Life’ by Zara Larsson.

    Someone I admire is:
    I admire my parents for all of their hard work, and the love and support they show to me.

    On the weekend you will find me:
    Hanging out and having fun with my friends.

    My greatest accomplishment OR sporting moment so far is:
    Moving from a small country town to a big school and becoming a boarder at Sacred Heart. Also going on Immersions to India in 2025.

    The most memorable moment in my life so far was:
    My trip to India for the 2025 Immersions was one of the greatest experiences ever. I feel like I learnt so much and just being at those different schools and seeing the genuine happiness and smiles on the children’s faces will alway be a favourite memory of mine.

    What is your most prized possession?
    My dog.

    What is on your bucket list?
    To travel around the world.

    What skill would you most like to learn?
    Learning to speak a different language.

    If you were a superhero, who would you be?
    Wonder Woman because I think she is really cool.

  • Levi Smith, 2026 Year 12 Boarding Captain

    What does leadership mean to you?
    Being a leader to me isn’t simply wearing a badge, but supporting people and setting examples for those who are younger and have less experience.

    What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
    Being a Marist Leader means living out the Marist values in everyday actions, whether it be listening to someone, helping someone or simply standing up for what is right.

    What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
    The Marist characteristics of Presence and Family Spirit as I am always willing to listen and be there for others in times of need.

    As a Leader this year, what is your main focus for the Hearts community and what do you hope to achieve?
    The main focus for myself is to help make improvements within the Boarding House, making it an even better environment for those deciding to come to our school in the future.

    A teacher I admire at SHC is:
    Mr Liam Chapman and Mr Adrian Veljkovic because they are teachers who sit down with you, work out your targets for the year, and take time out of their day to help you achieve these targets, or go above and beyond.

    The best thing about attending SHC is:
    Making life-long friends from all over Australia.

    Three (3) words that describe my personality are:
    Supportive, hardworking and adaptive.

    My favourite book is:
    I don’t have a specific book, but I like reading books about war.

    My favourite song is:
    ‘The Ride’ by Kookshill.

    Someone I admire is:
    My parents, because they sacrifice everything for my brothers and my future.

    On the weekend you will find me:
    Hanging out with my boarder friends.

    My greatest accomplishment OR sporting moment so far is:
    My greatest accomplishment so far are my academics.

    The most memorable moment in my life so far was:
    Not a pleasant memory, but my motorbike accident when I was 10 and was injured quite badly is definitely my most memorable moment.

    What is your most prized possession?
    My Toyota Hilux.

    What is on your bucket list?
    To travel overseas.

    What skill would you most like to learn?
    To re-learn the piano.

    If you were a superhero, who would you be?
    Black Panther.


Honouring our Army Cadet Unit and old scholars

Sacred Heart College recently held a presentation for the Laszlo Gimesh Memorial Sword in partnership with our current Army Cadet Unit, alongside several Old Collegians and past College cadets.

The evening began with a cadet parade, setting the tone for a meaningful gathering that honoured the legacy of Major Laszlo Gimesh, a dedicated Sacred Heart College teacher and Commanding Officer who played a significant role in the College’s cadet program from 1957 to 1974.

Cadets then had the opportunity to hear from Hall of Honour inductee Billy Denny AM (SHOC ’64) and fellow Old Collegians, who shared reflections on their time in the unit and the lasting impact it had on their lives. It was a powerful moment of connection between past and present, with students also engaging in a Q&A with the Old Scholars.

The highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the Laszlo Gimesh Memorial Sword to the Cadet Unit, generously donated by past members of the College Cadet Unit. The sword ensures that Laszlo’s legacy continues to inspire future Hearts generations.


2026 Celtic FC Academy Player Experience

The 2026 Celtic FC Academy Player Experience concluded on 30 April, with the group returning home from Glasgow, Scotland after another incredible and enriching journey.

Kiara Mangos and Savea Bogdanovic were fully integrated across the U13–U15 age groups, while Abyss Dhakal was exposed to an even broader spectrum, training between the U14, U15 and U17 squads. This deliberate cross-age engagement provided the players with a dynamic and challenging environment, accelerating both their technical growth and tactical awareness.
Training was delivered across three of the club’s elite facilities: Lennoxtown Training Centre, Celtic Park, and the newly redeveloped, multi-million-pound indoor complex at Barrowfield. Each venue offered a distinct performance setting, exposing the group to the professional standards and infrastructure that underpin one of Europe’s most storied clubs.

Beyond the training ground, the experience was equally rich. The players, alongside staff Kurtis Harrison, Gavin Pinnington, and Jacqui Schar, attended the Scottish Cup semi-final, where Celtic FC produced a thrilling 6–2 extra-time victory over St Mirren FC. They also witnessed a crucial league fixture at Celtic Park, where Celtic FC secured a vital 3–1 win over Falkirk FC, a result that proved significant as the title race intensified in the closing weeks of the season.

A standout moment of the tour saw the players, along with Kurtis Harrison, invited to be interviewed by Celtic TV. The discussion highlighted the strength of the partnership between Sacred Heart College and Club, and the meaningful impact it continues to have on both male and female student-athletes through access to world-class environments and opportunities.

They also enjoyed a memorable encounter with Scottish World Cup Winner and Celtic FC Ambassador Rose Reilly during a U13 Academy tournament, which culminated in a dramatic final with Celtic FC overcoming Manchester United via a penalty shootout.
In between their training commitments, the group embraced the cultural experience, exploring both Glasgow and Edinburgh, further enriching what was an outstanding international journey.

This experience represents far more than a tour – it reflects a shared vision and a genuine Marist connection. They are a Club, and it is a partnership like no other. We now look ahead with great excitement to our 2027 trip, where we will bring four more outstanding athletes to experience this truly world-class opportunity.

Read more about our partnership here.

Stage 1 and 2 Aboriginal Studies: Southern Elders Weaving Group workshop

Our Stage 1 and 2 Aboriginal Studies students recently took part in a traditional weaving workshop alongside students from O’Sullivan Beach Primary School. Guided by Aunty Lorna and Aunty Janice Rigney from the Southern Elders group, students explored the ancient art of weaving using natural materials, gaining a deeper appreciation of First Nations culture through a South Australian lens, while connecting with well-respected elders from our wider community.

It was fantastic to see our students step into mentoring roles, working closely with younger students and building strong connections across schools, and finishing the day with a fun game of handball in the quad!

A special thank you to Mrs Fiona Starr from O’Sullivan Beach Primary School for organising this wonderful opportunity. We look forward to hosting a similar experience at Sacred Heart later this year.

Water Wheels at Flinders University

Students recently took part in an engaging and hands-on excursion to Flinders University Materials Laboratory where they were challenged with a real-world engineering task: to design and construct a small-scale water wheel using a limited selection of materials. Working in pairs and supported by a fourth-year Civil Engineering student, each team carefully considered key design elements such as blade shape, wheel size, angle, and material selection before testing their creation in a water flume that simulates the flow of a river.

Once connected to a generator, each water wheel produced measurable data, allowing students to see their designs in action. Key metrics such as peak power (watts) and total energy generated (joules, the same used in real hydroelectric engineering) provided valuable insight into the effectiveness of each model. Comparing results sparked thoughtful discussion, as students reflected on why certain designs performed better and what improvements they would make in future iterations.

Students worked collaboratively under time constraints, problem-solved in real time, and evaluated their outcomes with honesty and curiosity. The excursion also provided many with their first opportunity to visit a university campus, where the dynamic Tonsley precinct and interaction with current university students helped make future pathways in STEM feel tangible and achievable.

Beyond the practical task, the experience deepened students’ understanding of energy transformations, from the kinetic energy of moving water to the electrical energy generated, leaving a lasting impression that will support their ongoing studies and future aspirations.

Arts & Music News

Champagnat Dance Academy kicks off today

The Champagnat Dance Club officially kicked off this morning in the Dance Studio from 7.30am-8.20am. Students from all year levels gathered to learn new dance skills. Old scholar, Daisy Keain (SHOC ‘25), leads the sessions and today students began learning their composition piece for the Arts Showcase in Week 7.

Daisy choreographs the routines herself and is really welcoming to all students. We would recommend Dance Club to anyone who would like to enjoy some physical activity before the school day starts. We hope to see more people getting involved!

By Evie Aldrich and Arabella Bedford-Brown


Hearts FM to hit the airwaves

This term, the Champagnat Arts Leader Team have taken a new initiative – welcome to Hearts FM! Hearts FM is our very own radio podcast run by our Arts Leaders.

Last term for Arts Week, we took part in a radio podcast workshop run by Mr Hamilton and Ms Vistoli to learn the works.

Hearts FM will be running throughout the rest of the year, broadcasting on odd weeks on Tuesday mornings from the Champagnat Campus speakers.

Keep an ear out on the morning of  Tuesday 12 May for the inaugural broadcast!


Music in May

We are thrilled to invite our school community to Music in May, the first performance evening for 2026! This special evening will showcase the incredible talent of our ensembles and soloists from across both the Champagnat and Marcellin campuses. Come along and celebrate the wonderful musicians in our community.

Thursday 21 May | 6-8pm | Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Theatre, Marcellin Campus

Entry is completely free, but we encourage you to book your seat in advance via Trybooking here. The kitchen will also be open before the show and during the interval, with light refreshments available for purchase.

Want to get involved? Join our Parent & Community Choir!

We are putting together a Parent & Community Choir to perform on the night, and we’d love to have you on stage! No singing experience is necessary – just enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a go!

Two rehearsals will be held prior to the performance:

  • Monday 11 May, 5.15pm – 6.00pm | Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Theatre, Marcellin Campus
  • Monday 18 May, 5.15pm – 6.00pm | Br Stephen Debourg Performing Arts Theatre, Marcellin Campus

If you’re keen to be involved, please email fleursummers@shc.sa.edu.au

We hope to see you in the audience on the 21st May, and maybe even on stage!

For any questions, please contact music@shc.sa.edu.au


2026 Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 2 2026)

Week 2
  • Thursday 7 May – Dance Academy Resumes, 7.30am
  • Friday 8 May – Mother’s Day Breakfast Music,  8.15-9am, Champagnat Campus
Week 3
Week 4
  • Wednesday 20 May – Drama Club commences,  3.30pm – 4.45pm 
  • Thursday 21 May – Music in May, 6-8pm, Debour Theatre, Marcellin Campus (Superband, Drumline, Choir, Small Woodwind/Brass Groups)

 

Marcellin Campus (Term 2 2026)

Week 2
  • Thursday 7 May – Marian House Mass (Liturgy Band)
  • Friday 8 May – Mother Day Breakfast, Champagnat Campus Soloists
Week 3
  • Monday 11 May – Community Choir rehearsal, 5.15pm, Debourg Theatre, Marcelln Campus
  • Thursday 14 May – Montagne House Mass (Liturgy Band)
Week 4
  • Monday 18 May – Community Choir rehearsal, 5.15pm, Debourg Theatre, Marcellin Campus
  • Thursday 21 May – Music in May, 6-8pm, Debourg Theatre, Marcellin Campus

 


Sports News

SHC Sailing team third in SA Sailing Championships

Sacred Heart College’s sailing team has finished an outstanding campaign at the 2026 South Australian Secondary Schools Team Sailing Championships, securing a credible third-place finish after three days of highly competitive racing.

The team performed strongly throughout the regatta, narrowly missing a place in the Grand Final after an incredibly close semi-final against eventual champions Westminster. Their determination, teamwork and skill were on display across the entire competition, with SHC consistently challenging some of the state’s strongest school sailing programs.

The championships concluded with Westminster securing the title and Investigator College claiming second place. Congratulations to all students involved for representing Sacred Heart College with pride, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the event.


Cycling Championships

 

 

The cycling championships at Victoria Park on 29 April delivered an exciting day of racing, with three students from Sacred Heart College taking to the track. A huge congratulations to Jack Sloan, who powered his way to 1st place in the A Grade competition. Strong efforts were also put in by Seth Harrison, finishing 42nd, and Levi Liddle, who placed 43rd.

Well done to all riders for their commitment and determination. Full results are available here: https://my.raceresult.com/395964/results


Diving Championships

Congratulations to Clara Floreani (Year 7), Matilda Bevan (Year 8), Orlando Eitel (Year 8) and Lucas Carr (Year 11) who represented the College at the School Sport SA Diving Championships at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre last Friday. Their outstanding achievements can be found below:

Lucas Carr 1st in 17-18 years Springboard
1st in 17-18 years Platform
2nd in 17-18 years Synchronised
Orlando Eitel 1st in 13 years Springboard
1st in 13-14 years Synchronised
Matilda Bevan 1st in 13 years Springboard
1st in 13 years Platform
1st in 13-14 years Synchronised
Clara Floreani 4th in 12 years Springboard
4th in 10-12 Synchronised

Student Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding sporting achievements, listed below.

Sadie Gillard (Year 7) Recently won the U12 Clay Court Tennis Nationals. As a result, Sadie has been selected to represent South Australia in the U13 Girls 2026 Australian Tennis Teams Championships being held on the Gold Coast in June.
Scarlett Blethyn (Year 10) Selected in the 2026 Marsh AFL National Development Championships U16 Girls All-Australian Team after the AAMI SA U16 Girls team won its fourth championship in a row.
Lucy Allen & Georgie Thur (Year 10) Selected in the SA Metro Under 16 Girls Basketball team, set to compete at the 2026 Foot Locker Under 16 National Championships from July 5–12 in Bendigo, Victoria.

Images below are in order of names listed in the table above.


2026 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 2 2026)

Week 2
  • Thursday 7 May – School Sport SA Mountain Biking Championships, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
Week 3
  • Wednesday 13 May – NO CEA SPORT TRAINING (Learning Conversations)
  • Friday 15 May – School Sport SA Surfing Championships, Middleton
Week 4
  • Monday 18 May – Cross Country Nominations Due (via Consent2Go)
  • Wednesday 20 May – School Sport SA Year 7/8 Knockout Basketball (Round 1)

Marcellin Campus (Term 2 2026)

Week 2
  • Thursday 7 May – School Sport SA Mountain Biking Championships, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
Week 3
  • Thursday 14 May – School Sport SA Open Boys & Girls Knockout Touch Football (Round 1)
  • Friday 15 May – School Sport SA Team Surf Championships, Middleton

Click here to view Sports Fixtures and Results.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.