The Lenten season begins: Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday, our school community gathered across both campuses to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season, as we commence our 40-day journey towards Christ’s Resurrection at Easter.
At Champagnat Campus, students and staff came together in the gym for a whole-campus Liturgy. During this reverent celebration, members of our community received ashes on their foreheads, a visible sign of humility, repentance and renewal. At Marcellin Campus, students gathered in their House groups for a Liturgy, taking time for prayer and reflection as they begin the season of Lent.
We also marked Shrove Tuesday the day prior, signalling the conclusion of the pre-Lenten season. Students at Champagnat Campus enjoyed pancakes, traditionally prepared to use up rich ingredients such as eggs and butter before the season of simplicity and abstinence begins. This long-standing tradition provided a joyful yet meaningful reminder of the transition into Lent.
As we embark on this sacred season together, may these next 40 days be a time for embracing simplicity, deep reflection and renewed commitment to living with compassion, faith and love.
A night to remember – Year 12 Formal 2026
The Year 12 ‘Valentines Night’ themed Formal was held on Friday 13 February, providing a wonderful opportunity for the cohort to come together and mark this important milestone in their final year. It was fantastic to see our students dressed up and enjoying the evening’s festivities. A truly memorable night was had by all.
Events such as these require significant preparation and planning, and I would like to sincerely acknowledge the dedication and hard work behind the scenes. Thank you to the staff who coordinated the event and to those who supervised throughout the evening to ensure its success.
Access to the 2026 Formal photos
Professional photos from the 2026 Year 12 Formal can be viewed, purchased or downloaded from the Festival City Photography website.
Enter the Access Code: HEARTS26 (case sensitive)
Low res digital images (suitable for viewing on your phone and social media) can be downloaded for free. High Res images (suitable for printing) are also available to purchase for $14 each or 5 High Res digital downloads for $50 or 10 for $80. Just select your images and add the Package in your shopping cart.
Champagnat Beginning of Year Opening Mass
Champagnat Campus marked the start of the academic year with a Beginning of Year Mass celebrated by Fr Pastor Mumburi last Friday. The theme of the Eucharistic celebration reflected the 2026 Marist theme: ‘Full of Grace: Transform the World with God’s Love’.
In his homily, Fr Pastor encouraged students to “be Jesus for others,” challenging them to live out their faith through service and compassion.
The celebration concluded with the formal launch of this year’s Game Changers and Marist Solidarity (MSol) initiatives. We were honoured by the presence of our Marist Brothers, Br Des, Br Bryan, Brother Pat, and Br John, who joined us for this special occasion.
Meet our Student Leaders – 2026 Champagnat Campus Captains
In each Hearts News, two of our 2026 Year 9 and Year 12 portfolio leaders will take part in a brief Q&A so you can get to know them a little better. This week we meet our 2026 Year 9 Champagnat Campus Captains, Cian Greene and Livi Meehan.
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Cian Greene 2026 Champagnat Campus Captain
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means to be able to show and set good examples for my peers. It is a great opportunity to collaborate with different people that you might not usually work with. Leadership also means to be courageous, and you have to be able to truly express yourself.What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
Being a Marist Leader means being able to display the Marist characteristics in daily acts in life, like being present when you are listening to someone speak, or simplicity where you might show simple acts of kindness like holding a door for someone.What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
The Marist characteristic I resonate with is definitely Presence because I feel like when someone is talking to me I can really focus on what they are saying and deeply engage in the conversation. Also, I feel like I am always focusing in lessons, and focused in the classroom.As a Leader this year, what is your main focus for the Hearts community and what do you hope to achieve?
As a leader this year, our main focus for the Hearts community is to have more cross-campus engagement, and we hope to make Sacred Heart a really fun place.A teacher I admire at SHC is:
Mr Lee because he is a really good teacher, and he always tries to make things fun.The best thing about attending SHC is:
The best things about attending SHC are all the sports programs that we have like footy and cricket. It is also great that I get to see my mates every day.Three (3) words that describe my personality are:
Sporty, funny and resilient.My favourite book is:
‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth.My favourite song is:
‘Cave’ by Dom Dolla and Tove Lo.Someone I admire is:
My older cousin because he is generally a great guy and is a really good role model.On the weekend you will find me:
Playing sports (footy, cricket, and golf), or hanging out with mates.My greatest accomplishment OR sporting moment so far is:
My greatest sporting moment so far is winning player of the match in my cricket grand final last year.The most memorable moment in my life so far was:
When I went to New York on holiday with my family.What is your most prized possession?
My golf clubs or my cricket bat.What is on your bucket list?
I would like tour all of the famous English cricket grounds during an Ashes series.What skill would you most like to learn?
I would like to learn how to use DJ decks.If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Spider-Man because he is very relatable, and he can shoot webs out of his wrists! -
Livi Meehan 2026 Champagnat Campus Captain
What does leadership mean to you?
To me leadership means being able to inspire my peers and empower students to work collectively towards a common goal. Leadership means strong communication and the ability to be patient and caring while role modelling a positive attitude.What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
Being a Marist Leader means leading by example and embracing and modelling the Marist values and characteristics in and outside of the College.What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
Presence – I believe in being a visible and approachable leader so that I can be aware of the needs of the College and can address these needs.As a Leader this year, what is your main focus for the Hearts community and what do you hope to achieve?
To bring people together to create a feel that we are a family. I hope for a College where all year levels interact with each other and both campuses collaborate more often. I hope to achieve creating more positive connections amongst peers and staff in order to strive for better academic and social outcomes.A teacher I admire at SHC is:
I admire Mr Jay Pozniak (counsellor) because he has to work with so many different students and understand so many complex issues while still having heartfelt connections with every student he meets.The best thing about attending SHC is:
How the College community celebrates its students’ successes, big or small.Three (3) words that describe my personality are:
Energetic, open, and approachable.My favourite book is:
‘One of us is next’ by Karen McManus.My favourite song is:
‘Sweet Disposition’ by The Temper Trap.Someone I admire is:
My old surf coach, Jeff Owens because he always supported me and he inspires me because he once saved a person’s life.On the weekend you will find me:
Training or competing in a range of sport.My greatest accomplishment OR sporting moment so far is:
Winning Champion Life Saver two years in a row.The most memorable moment in my life so far was:
Seeing the last three AFL Grand Finals as a Brisbane Lions fan.What is your most prized possession?
Swimming bathers.What is on your bucket list?
Skydiving.What skill would you most like to learn?
How to do a back-flip.If you were a superhero, who would you be?
The Flash – so I can get things done quicker.
Celebrating our 2025 Laureates
Last Tuesday, the Sacred Heart College community at Marcellin Campus, along with the Year 9s, gathered to celebrate the significant academic results of the Class of 2025 at the Laureate Assembly. This gathering acknowledged 117 students who achieved Merit Awards, received a Subject Award as the highest performing student in each subject, or received an ATAR above 90. Remarkably, this included eight current Year 12 students who completed Stage 2 subjects as Year 11s in 2025! Finally, we presented the 2025 Dux of Year 9, 10 and 11.
It was also a pleasure for us to welcome back old scholar Ms Zoe Martini (SHOC ’15) to address the audience. In reflecting on her time at the College, Zoe recalled the incredible influence that Sacred Heart College has had on her journey to becoming a paramedic, and the amazing support she received from a number of her teachers, many of whom remain on staff today.
We once again extend our congratulations to all of those students and old scholars who were presented, and extend our gratitude to the teaching and non-teaching staff of Sacred Heart College who have contributed to this success along the way.
Access to the Laureate Assembly photos
Professional photos from the Laureate Assembly can be viewed, purchased or downloaded from the Festival City Photography website
Enter the Access Code: SHC2026 (case sensitive)
Low res digital images (suitable for viewing on your phone and social media) can be downloaded for free.
High Res images (suitable for printing) are also available to purchase for $14 each or 5 High Res digital downloads for $50 or 10 for $80. Just select your images and add the Package in your shopping cart.
Photos from the 2025 Formal and 2025 Year 12 Graduation are also still available to view and purchase by clicking on the below links:
2025 Formal
Enter the Access Code: HEARTS25 (case sensitive)
2025 Year 12 Graduation and all 2025 events
Enter the Access Code: SHC2025 (case sensitive)
SACE Merit Award Ceremony
We were delighted to continue celebrating the outstanding achievements of our graduating Class of 2025 at the SACE Merit Ceremony held at Government House last Wednesday.
The College was well-represented by an extraordinary 46 Merit recipients who collectively achieved 53 Merit Awards across 14 subjects! Each recipient was presented on stage, with three ceremonies running concurrently to cater for the large number of recipients. We also proudly acknowledge our 2025 College Dux, Shubham Bhatt, who achieved an ATAR of 99.9, earned three SACE Merits, and received a prestigious 2025 Governor of South Australia Commendation Excellence Award from Her Excellency, Frances Adamson AC, on the day.
These exceptional results reflect the hard work, commitment and pursuit of excellence demonstrated by our students, and it was wonderful to see them formally recognised.
Year 9 Leadership Camp
Our Year 9 Student Leaders recently enjoyed a two-day leadership camp in Port Elliot where they focused on building strong connections, developing their leadership capacity and preparing for an exciting year ahead.
The camp provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and reflection. A highlight was a virtual meeting with our Year 12 leaders, fostering cross-campus connections and allowing students to share insights, advice and aspirations for the year. Through a series of interactive workshops and team challenges, students explored their individual leadership strengths, learned how to work effectively as a team, and began planning key events and initiatives for 2026.
There was also plenty of fun with students embracing friendly competition in a lively dance battle, showcasing their creativity in a sandcastle competition and enjoying backyard cricket by the coast.
A wonderful opportunity for our Year 9 leaders to grow in confidence, strengthen friendships and deepen their understanding of what it means to lead with integrity and service. We look forward to seeing this outstanding group of young leaders step confidently into their roles and make a positive impact across the Sacred Heart community in the year ahead.
Sacred Heart students inspire change at Teen Parliament
Congratulations to Sacred Heart College students Ruby Ludwig (Year 11) and Kobe Collins (Year 12) who, through the Tjindu Foundation, recently represented our College at The Advertiser’s Teen Parliament, joining 30 students from schools across South Australia to present innovative ideas to improve our state.
Kobe began proceedings with an Acknowledgement of Country, setting a respectful and powerful tone for the day. Drawing on his lived experience of moving to South Australia from a remote community outside Alice Springs, Kobe spoke about the challenges he faced and stressed the importance of equitable access to education and support services. Passionate about closing the gap in health and education outcomes for young people in Aboriginal communities, he proposed the development of integrated programs that provide literacy support, health education and life-skills learning, both in remote communities and for students transitioning into South Australian schools.
Ruby spoke powerfully about the impact of the Tjindu Foundation, describing programs like Tjindu as “essential for Indigenous young people in South Australia”. She shared how the program has created a strong sense of belonging and provides culturally safe, empowering spaces where Aboriginal identity, pride and wellbeing are nurtured.
All students who took part on the day were commended by senior leaders including South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, Speaker of the House of Assembly Leon Bignell and Opposition education spokesman Jack Batty. At least nine of the participants will each receive a $10,000 scholarship to support their higher education aspirations.
We congratulate Ruby and Kobe on representing the Tjindu Foundation and Sacred Heart College with courage, authenticity and leadership, and we commend them for their thoughtful contributions towards shaping the future of our state.
You can view Ruby and Kobe’s speeches here (commencing from the 2h.26m.06s mark)
Year 11 Immersion Launch
Building on the momentum of last year’s Immersion experiences, the 2026 Immersion Program was officially launched at the Year 11 Assembly today. The cohort was deeply inspired by reflections from members of the 2025 Immersion teams, who offered heartfelt and authentic insights into their time in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, India and the Philippines. Their stories brought the spirit and impact of Immersion to life.
We are delighted to share that in 2026, the College will offer four Immersion opportunities to the following destinations:
- Fiji
- Philippines
- India
- Solomon Islands
Each Immersion is a powerful opportunity to live out our Marist Family Spirit; engaging with various schools, communities and organisations, honouring the legacy of the Marist Brothers, and forming lifelong friendships that extend well beyond the journey itself.
A sincere thanks to the 2025 Immersion teams who generously gave their time to support the launch and share their experiences.
The 2026 Immersion Launch video presented at the student launch can be accessed here.
Year 8s get an insight into the world of professional writing
This week our Year 8 students had the exciting opportunity to learn from experienced journalist and author Kristen Darell as part of their English studies.
During these engaging workshops, students developed their skills in crafting effective pieces of writing, with a particular focus on how to write a compelling news story. Drawing on Kristen’s professional experience in journalism and storytelling, students learned about structure, audience, strong leads, and the importance of clear and engaging language.
This hands-on learning experience provides valuable insight into the world of professional writing and supports students in strengthening their confidence and creativity as young writers.
Scientific Studies students explore Forensic Science at Flinders University
Last Tuesday our Year 11 Scientific Studies class visited Flinders University for an engaging hands-on laboratory experience focusing on gel electrophoresis and its applications in forensic science.
The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience university-level laboratory facilities and engage with cutting-edge forensic techniques. Under the guidance of Lucy, a knowledgeable student ambassador from Flinders University, our students participated in a DNA fingerprinting simulation using gel electrophoresis. This practical activity allowed them to witness firsthand how DNA samples are separated and analysed, a fundamental technique used in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and identifying victims of disasters.
The laboratory session was complemented by an informative discussion exploring the diverse range of forensic fields that rely on gel electrophoresis technology. Students learned how this technique extends beyond criminal investigation to include applications in conservation biology, archaeological studies, and medical diagnostics. This broader perspective helped students appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of modern science and the real-world relevance of the concepts they are studying in class.
This excursion directly supports the Scientific Studies curriculum focus on scientific inquiry skills and understanding how science is applied in professional contexts. Students demonstrated excellent engagement throughout the visit, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in the university pathways available in forensic science and related fields.
Arts & Music News
Year 8 Drama Excurison
Today, the Year 8 Drama students visited the Wandering Hall of Possibilities, a portable theatre quietly tucked amongst the trees of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
The students watched a preview performance of ‘The Tree of Light’, a drastic reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Little Match Girl’. Produced by Slingsby, South Australia’s foremost theatre company for young and family audiences, the production marks their final piece in a trilogy titled ‘A Concise Compendium of Wonder‘. After touring the trilogy Slingsby will bow out after nearly 20 years of sharing wonder and imagination with audiences both young and old. This made the opportunity to see this transformative work all the more special.
Set in a dystopian future, the story unfolds on the moon, where the last remaining tree asks us to sit and listen. Only by stopping to breathe and reflect do Grandmother Tree’s last remaining seeds have the chance of taking root and sustaining humanity.
Emotionally charged and bearing Slingsby’s signature aesthetic, the performance provided much for students to discuss and analyse in their upcoming responding to drama task. From the nuanced use of space and movement to the careful layering of production elements, including music and lighting, the production offered rich material for exploration. By examining how the elements of drama were employed within a world-class production, students developed a deeper understanding of the multidisciplinary art form, while also gaining inspiration and practical insight to enhance their own future dramatic works.
2026 Music dates and events
Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2026)
| Week 4 | Year 8 Drama Excursion (Slingsby Theatre Performance) – Thursday 19 February |
| Week 5 | Year 7 Arts Leader Portfolio speeches – Thursday 26 February |
| Week 6 | Year 9 Dance Excursion (Rip Drag Ruminate) – Friday 6 March |
Marcellin Campus (Term 1 2026)
| Week 5 | Marcellin Sports Day (Drumline, Anthem singers, Lunchtime Band Performances) – Friday 27 February (early 1.30pm dismissal) |
Sports News
Celtic Soccer Academy visit
Sacred Heart College was privileged to welcome three UEFA-qualified coaches from esteemed European football club and Premium Partner, Celtic Football Club. Coaches Paul Mooney, Adam Behan and Andrew Harris travelled from Glasgow, arriving on 14 February, and have spent an enriching week across our Marcellin and Champagnat campuses, delivering exceptional coaching experiences to both our male and female student athletes.
Our First XI squads benefitted immensely from the opportunity to work closely with the visiting coaches, in collaboration with newly appointed Head Coaches Dylan Pierias and Yaya Dukuly. Together, they refined technical skills, tactical awareness and team cohesion in preparation for the upcoming season. The Celtic coaches also conducted intensive development clinics for our Year 7, 8 and 9 students, ensuring our emerging players were exposed to elite European training methodologies. Extending their impact beyond the College, the coaches generously facilitated community sessions, further strengthening football pathways within Adelaide.
Sacred Heart College takes great pride in its flourishing partnership with Celtic Football Club and is sincerely grateful for the calibre of expertise shared throughout the week. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and to nurturing high-performance environments for aspiring footballers.
As a continuation of this outstanding partnership, on 11 March four dedicated student athletes (Driton Sali, Abyss Dhakal, Kiara Mangos and Savea-Maria Bogdanovic) will travel to Glasgow, Scotland, to train at Celtic’s world-class academy. Immersed within the U14–U18 programs, they will gain invaluable insight into the standards, discipline and mindset required to compete on the international stage.
We extend our very best wishes to these students, as well as to teacher and Head of Soccer Kurtis Harrison, Boys Sports Coordinator, Gavin Pinnington and Girls Sports Coordinator, Jacqui Schar, who will accompany them. We are confident they will represent Sacred Heart College with pride, integrity and distinction.
This remarkable initiative underscores our dedication to developing elite football talent and further strengthens our valued relationship with Celtic Football Club. We look forward to continuing this dynamic partnership in the years ahead.
A-League Newcastle Jets train at Sacred Heart
Former First XI coach Mark Milligan with his daughter, Maya Milligan (Year 11)
Sacred Heart College was delighted to welcome A-League ladder leaders Newcastle Jets to Marcellin Campus last Monday for a training session, following their impressive win against Adelaide United on the weekend. The visit was made even more special with the return of former First XI coach Mark Milligan, now Head Coach of the Jets, and it was wonderful to welcome him back to the College community.
The College was also honoured to receive a signed Newcastle Jets jersey, proudly accepted on behalf of Sacred Heart by his daughter, Maya Milligan (Year 11). The jersey will be displayed at the College as a lasting reminder of the occasion.
We wish Mark and the Newcastle Jets every success for the remainder of the season.
Boarding House friendly rivalry in 2nd XI Cricket clash
Round 2 of the 2nd XI cricket competition delivered an entertaining boarding house showdown, with our Year 11 boarders taking on the Year 10 boarders in a midweek fixture. With a boarders’ exeat allowing flexibility in scheduling, the match drew plenty of attention and strong support from the wider boarding community, who lined the sidelines to cheer on both teams.
The Year 10 side emerged victorious, earning both the win and the all-important bragging rights back in the Boarding House after posting 9/101 from 20 overs before bowling out the Year 11s for 10/49 in 14.1 overs.
The two teams are set to meet again in Round 6, and anticipation is already building for another exciting encounter.
Student Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding sporting achievements, listed below.
| Grace Ashforth (Year 9), Isabella Lamb (Year 10), Talia Ratley (Year 10) | Selected in the 2026 Junior Nationals SA Crowns Indoor Netball teams in their respective age groups and competed in Brisbane, Queensland in February. |
| Scarlett Blethyn (Year 10), Chloe Nettle (Year 11), Matilda Buchanan (Year 11) | Selected in the 2026 SA U16 Girls Football squad set to compete in the AFLW National Championship in April. |
| Max Thompson (Year 12) | Won the 400m Men’s Final in the Camden Classic on 1 February. In December last year, Max travelled to Melbourne to compete in the All-Schools National Athletics Championships, winning Silver in his 400m Hurdles event. |
