Hearts News – Week 2 Term 3 2026

Discovering possibilities beyond school at the 2026 Pathways Expo

Last night, the McAteer Centre at Marcellin Campus came alive for the annual SHC Pathways Expo, hosted by the Pathways team. Approximately 300 students and their families attended and the College was fortunate to host over 45 exhibitors on the night, presenting various pathway options and courses to our Sacred Heart community. Representatives from Universities, TAFE, apprenticeship and traineeship organisations, employers, industry groups, training providers, defence, health, construction, hospitality, business, creative industries and many more featured – there truly was something for everyone!

The evening was all about possibilities. Whether students already know exactly where they’re headed after school or they are all still exploring options, the Expo was designed to help start conversations, answer questions and open doors to possibilities. Students were encouraged to ask questions such as: What does a typical day look like? What subjects are helpful? What qualities are employers looking for? What opportunities exist while I’m still at school? What advice would you give someone my age? These conversations opened students to the opportunities they may not have considered before. Throughout the evening we were also treated to fantastic music from some of our talented student musicians.

Parents and caregivers also had the opportunity to attend the Year 11 and Year 12 Subject Selection Information Sessions that occurred alongside the Expo in the Function Centre. We thank all our exhibitors for attending and sharing their knowledge and experience with our students, as well as our Pathways team, Rachel Aldrich, Brenda Adcock and Sarah Benedictson for their work in organising the Expo.

Bentornati dall’Italia! (Welcome home from Italy!)

In the final week of Term 2, 20 excited Stage 1 and 2 Italian students set off for two unforgettable weeks experiencing Italy and deepening their knowledge of and appreciation for the Italian language and culture.

Flying into Venice to explore St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, Murano and Burano, the travellers then made their way down the Italian peninsula. They visited the Arena and Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, and immersed themselves in Renaissance history in Florence. A visit to the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi provided a moment of reflection and repose before they continued on to marvel at the wonders of Ancient Rome, take in the enormity of the ruins of Pompeii, and enjoy the coastal beauty of Sorrento.

Below are some reflections from the students themselves:

“Being able to be a part of such a special opportunity like this is truly one of the best blessings. Travelling to Italy not only allowed me to strengthen my understanding of the language, culture and people through being fully immersed and exposed to a foreign culture, but it also allowed me to learn more about myself, teaching me about true independence, responsibility and adaptability. My personal highlights of the trip would have to be seeing the Sorrento coastline and all of the incredible cathedrals and basilicas, especially Saint Peter’s Basilica. Every one of the participants made the trip a really joyful one.” – Leah (Year 11)

“I found the Italy Study Tour one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. Getting the opportunity to immerse into the culture was an incredible way of learning and understanding the language on a deeper level. A few of the most memorable highlights for me were walking around Burano and seeing all of the colourful houses and buildings, learning more about the Colosseum, going for walks with the whole tour group and getting an opportunity to explore the cities together. I also found it a great chance to bond and create new relationships with the other students on the tour.” – Emily (Year 11)

“The Italian Study Tour was an incredible experience that I will never forget. It was a great way for me to expand my knowledge on the Italian language and culture. For me, the friendships I made and strengthened created this really positive atmosphere between the teachers and the students. A highlight for me was definitely either the Trevi Fountain, the Pompeii tour or seeing the sunset over the beach in Sorrento. Thank you to all the teachers and staff who organised the trip – especially having to re-arrange the whole trip after delaying the trip in April. A huge thank you to Ms Loy, Ms Bradley and Mr O who came on the trip!” – Amelia (Year 11)

Meet our Student Leaders – 2026 Mission Leaders

Our final two 2026 portfolio leaders have taken part in a brief Q&A session so you can get to know them a little better. This week we meet Year 9 Mission Leader, Vibha Navneeth and Year 12 Mission Captain, Josalie-Kate Mulconray-Niemann.

Celebrating Academic Achievement in Semester 1

Last week, we celebrated the academic achievements of our students at each campus.

At Champagnat Campus, we recognised Year 7-9 students at an Assembly, who, during Semester 1, demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and personal responsibility towards their learning. Academic Excellence Awards were presented to students who achieved eight or more A grades in Years 7 and 8, or seven or more A grades in Year 9. Academic Endeavour Awards recognised students who consistently demonstrated excellent personal responsibility for their learning across all subjects.

At Marcellin Campus, we celebrated our Year 10-12 students during our Extended PC House Gatherings in Week 1. Year 10 and 11 students who achieved all A grades (that is A or A+), or all but one A grade for their Semester 1 subjects were awarded a certificate and recognised by their teachers and peers, for their diligence and commitment to their studies.

More than 100 Year 12 students were also recognised for their achievement of all A grades, or all but one A grade, in their subjects in their latest Progress Report. It goes without saying that our Year 12 students are to be commended for managing a demanding study load while achieving such outstanding results. Their success is a testament to the collective motivation, sacrifice and sustained discipline demonstrated by the entire cohort.

These students across Years 7-12 have demonstrated dedication, resilience and a strong commitment to learning throughout the semester. Their success reflects consistent effort, a willingness to seek feedback and refine their work, and a determination to achieve their personal best.

The College extends their congratulations to the students who were recognised above, their teachers and their families for their ongoing commitment and the standard being upheld across all year levels at Sacred Heart.

📸 Professional photos from the Champagnat Semester 1 2026 Academic Assembly are available to view, download or purchase via the Festival City Photography website here. Please log in with your email address. The password is SHC2026.

Returning to Timor-Leste: A shared Marist Mission

I recently had the privilege of returning to the Catholic Institute for the Formation of Teachers (ICFP) in Baucau, Timor-Leste, as part of the Marist Schools Australia Professional Language Learning Collaborative for Timor-Leste. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to strengthen the partnership between volunteer teachers from Marist and other Catholic schools across Australia with the goal of supporting and enhancing the English language capabilities of admin and teaching staff at ICFP.

During this visit, I worked alongside dedicated ICFP staff who show such dedication to improving their English communication skills. Our lessons focused on practical spoken English, workplace communication, pronunciation, vocabulary development, and building confidence in everyday conversations. While developing English language proficiency remains the primary focus, the program is much more than language instruction. As teachers, we gain invaluable insights into the resilience, generosity, and educational practices of our Timorese colleagues. Working together provides opportunities to exchange ideas, reflect on teaching practice, and deepen our understanding of the cultural and educational contexts in which we each serve.

While my mission was to teach English, I learned so much more. I learned the true meaning of “belun” (friendship). I learned about resilience, warmth, and the power of a smile that needs no translation. I might have come to share knowledge, but I left with my heart completely full, inspired by their energy, curiosity, and their incredible spirit.

My amazing students were challenged to keep practicing, ask questions, and never stop chasing their dreams. For they are the bright future of this beautiful country. These experiences deepened my appreciation of the rich traditions of Timor-Leste while reminding me that education is fundamentally about relationships and service.

The wider community of Marists in Baucau, Timor Leste are grateful for the following donations: 100 books in the Tetun language were donated by previous participants of the program: Meg Owens, Sydney Catholic Schools; Anthony Moore, Marist College Canberra; and Wanieta Young, Parramatta Diocese. These were provided by Library for All to KATILOSA, a local non-government organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people with disabilities. These books will become an important resource for KATILOSA, providing students with greater access to engaging reading materials and helping to foster literacy, language development, and a love of reading. Access to quality books remains limited in many parts of Timor-Leste, making donations such as these invaluable for both students and teachers.

Sacred Heart College donated 5 laptop computers, and Mary Mackillop College, Varrowville, donated 2 data projectors for teaching staff and physiotherapy staff at KATILOSA. These will be used to support inclusive education teaching and learning along with supporting community-based rehabilitation and Advocacy programs for children and young people in the Baucau municipality.

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program and look forward to continuing to support my amazing students, now my Timor family, at ICFP through ongoing online sessions. The experience is a powerful reminder that while we may come from different countries and cultures, we are united by our shared Marist mission to educate, accompany, and serve.

Obrigado barak.

Sonja Brownridge
Teacher, Champagnat Campus

‘50 Years of Deadly’ – Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2026

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2026, a group of Hearts boarders collaborated to create a beautiful collective artwork that proudly represents the Sacred Heart College Boarding Community.

Created by boarders, Poppy, Latiyah, Elaina, Nakaisha, Hanna, Reuben and Ryder, along with Boys Boarding Supervisor and Activities Coordinator, Billy Campbell, the artwork tells a meaningful story. At its centre is the SHC Boarding Community, represented by a blue cross and red heart, symbolising its deep connection to our Marist family. Pathways extend to both Champagnat and Marcellin Campuses, reflecting how each campus leads students to the heart of our Boarding Community. Surrounding the pathways are eight community symbols, representing the home regions of each student artist, alongside individual symbols that honour their unique identities and stories. Framed in Sacred Heart colours, the artwork is a vibrant celebration of belonging, culture and our shared journey.

As we acknowledge NAIDOC Week (5–12 July) and this year’s theme, ’50 Years of Deadly,’ we acknowledge the strength, resilience and cultural pride of First Nations peoples. We are incredibly proud of our students for sharing their stories through art and for creating a lasting symbol of connection, culture and community.

Champagnat Winter Season CEA Photos (Wednesday, 5 August – Week 3)

Champagnat Sports, Music and Curriculum Extension Activity (CEA) Winter Season photographs will be taken on Wednesday 5 August 2026. A schedule for the day can be accessed here.

Students are asked to pay particular attention to the full uniform requirements (including shorts, socks, shoes, etc.) which are outlined in the schedule, and their personal appearance on the day. If students do not bring their required uniform to school they will not be able to be included in the team photograph.

All photographs taken will be included in the College Yearbook which is available to all students next year.

Arts & Music News

2026 Music dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 3 2026)

Marcellin Campus (Term 3 2026)

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.

Sports News

Year 12 student, Kobe Collins, wins 2026 NAIDOC Sports Person of the Year Award

Sacred Heart College is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 12 student Kobe Collins, who was named the NAIDOC SA Sports Person of the Year at the recent 2026 NAIDOC South Australia Awards.

A proud Arrernte Anmatyerr man, Kobe is Captain of the Tjindu Foundation Aboriginal Education Academy and an elite junior footballer whose dedication, resilience and leadership extend far beyond the sporting field. He leads with humility, discipline and a genuine commitment to supporting and inspiring those around him, while passionately advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Kobe was one of 10 remarkable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander award recipients recognised for their leadership, talent, strength and positive contributions to community. His achievement is a testament to the impact he continues to make both on and off the field.

Congratulations, Kobe, on this well-deserved honour. You are an inspiration to our College community, and we look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the future.

CEA Statewide Knockout Sports (Champagnat and Marcellin)

Results from the last fortnight of Statewide Knockout Sports are as follows:

Year 7/8 Girls Knockout Netball (Round 2)
SHC (21) def by Henley High School (31)

Year 7/8 Boys Knockout Football (Round 1 )
SHC (14.9.93) def Immanuel College (2.1.13)

Year 9/10 Girls Knockout Netball (Round 1)
SHC (35) def Cabra (27)
SHC (48) def Tatachilla (33). The team now progresses to Round 2 of the competition.

Year 9/10 Girls Knockout Soccer (Round 1)
SHC (1) def by Henley (8)
SHC (4) St Aloysius (0)

Open Boys Knockout Soccer (Round 1)
SHC (1) def by Underdale (2)
SHC (0) def by Unley (2)

Student Sporting Achievements

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

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

2026 Sports dates and events

Champagnat Campus (Term 3 2026)

Marcellin Campus (Term 3 2026)

Click here to view Sports Fixtures and Results.

Click here to view the full College calendar of events.