Marking the path to adulthood at the Year 9 Rite Journey Calling Ceremony
To commence The Rite Journey, our Year 9 students and their families gathered for the deeply meaningful Calling Ceremony last night, a sacred milestone that marks the transition from childhood toward young adulthood.
The evening was filled with reflection, gratitude and intention. In a powerful and symbolic moment, parents entrusted their children to the Rite Journey teachers, who will guide them through a year of challenge, growth and self-discovery. The Year 9 students, in turn, made a meaningful declaration, committing themselves to kindness, honesty, courage and a willingness to learn about who they are becoming.
A particularly moving part of the ceremony saw students read personally written letters of gratitude to their parents and caregivers before symbolically leaving their childish ways behind. Families also shared moving letters with their daughters and sons, affirming their love, pride and ongoing support.
We were privileged to welcome special guest speaker Andrew Lines, founder of The Rite Journey, who spoke to families about the importance of creating intentional rites of passage. He reminded us of the vital role parents/caregivers and mentors play in supporting, acknowledging and celebrating a young person’s shift into adulthood.
Supported by their families, teachers and the wider College community, our Year 9 students now begin this transformative year ready to step forward with courage, responsibility and growing self-awareness. It was a very special occasion, one that affirmed the strength of the partnership between home and school as we walk alongside our students on their journey to adulthood.
Meet our Student Leaders – 2026 Champagnat Mission Leaders
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 2026 Year 9 Mission Leader, Liana Mucciante and Year 12 Mission Captain, Callum Nguyen.
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Liana Mucciante 2026 Year 9 Mission Leader
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means being a positive role model for our community. As Mission Leader it is also important to role model the Marist Characteristics and the Champagnat norms to the students at Sacred Heart College. Leadership is not just about having a title, but about showing integrity, kindness, and responsibility in everyday actions. It means encouraging others, listening to different perspectives, and helping create a supportive and inclusive environment.What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
Being a Marist Leader means living out the Marist values through service, humility and compassion. It means putting others before yourself and being willing to help wherever needed. A Marist Leader leads by example, shows respect to everyone, and strengthens our school community by promoting faith, inclusion, and kindness. It is about showing our values through actions, not just words.What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
The Marist Characteristic that I resonate with most is Family Spirit. I value creating a sense of belonging where everyone feels supported and included. I believe that when people feel safe and valued, they are more confident and willing to contribute positively to the community. Family Spirit encourages teamwork, understanding, and unity, which are qualities I try to show in my leadership.As a Leader this year, what is your main focus for the Hearts community and what do you hope to achieve?
My main focus is to strengthen connection and participation across all year levels. I hope to encourage greater involvement in mission activities and create opportunities for students to serve others meaningfully. By the end of the year, I hope to have helped build a stronger sense of unity, increased awareness of our Marist Mission, and ensured that every student feels valued and included within our community.A teacher I admire at SHC is:
I admire at SHC is Mrs Barrile. She is the Director of Marist Mission and a very important role model within our school community. I admire the way she leads with passion, faith and genuine care for others. She encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones and get involved in mission and service opportunities. Mrs Barrile consistently lives out the Marist values in her everyday actions, and she inspires others to do the same. Her leadership shows that making a difference in our community starts with small, meaningful actions.The best thing about attending SHC is:
The best thing about attending Sacred Heart is the strong sense of community. There is a real feeling of belonging, where students support and encourage one another. The Marist values create a welcoming environment that helps us grow not only academically, but also personally and spiritually. It truly feels like a place where everyone is valued and included.Three (3) words that describe my personality are:
Engaging, responsible, and graceful.My favourite book is:
‘The Summer I turned pretty’ book series by Jenny Han.My favourite song is:
‘Golden Boy’ by Freya Skye.Someone I admire is:
My mum because she is always supportive, hardworking, and selfless. She constantly puts others before herself and encourages me to do my best in everything I do. She leads by example through her kindness and strength, and she inspires me to be a better person every day.On the weekend you will find me:
In the backyard spending time with my two dogs. I love being outside, relaxing, and just enjoying time them.My greatest accomplishment OR sporting moment so far is:
Being Mission Leader three years in a row. It means a lot to me because it shows the trust others have in my leadership and my commitment to serving the school community. It’s something I’m really proud of and grateful for.The most memorable moment in my life so far was:
The most memorable moment in my life so far was being announced as Mission Leader for the third year in a row. It was such a proud and emotional moment because it showed that the school community trusted me to lead and represent our Marist values. It reminded me how much I love serving others.What is your most prized possession?
A photo of my whole family.What is on your bucket list?
It is my dream to go to Sicily to see my family in Italy.What skill would you most like to learn?
How to skateboard.If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Black Widow because she is very resilient and has unwavering self-reliance. -
Callum Nguyen 2026 Year 12 Mission Captain
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me isn’t just a title, it means so much more than that such as being a voice for others and always being open to any ideas that anyone has within the school community. It also means ‘service’ as it is all about serving the school community and doing what’s best for everyone as a whole.What does being a Marist Leader mean to you?
To me, being a Marist Leader means to demonstrate and exemplify all 5 of the Marist Values such as Simplicity, Presence, Love of Work, In the way of Mary, and Family Spirit to the best of my ability, as well as encourage others around me to do the same through my actions.What Marist characteristic do you resonate with the most and why?
The Marist Characteristic that resonates most with me is Love of Work, as whenever I commit to something, I always like to do it to the very best of my ability and make sure I have completed it with the very best effort I can put in.As a Leader this year, what is your main focus for the Hearts community and what do you hope to achieve?
My main focus this year is to make it really fun, as I hope to achieve unique initiatives that both raise money and awareness for certain issues, as well as well as create fun and joy for all those in the community.A teacher I admire at SHC is:
Mr Veljkovic, because of the amount of enthusiasm and passion he has for teaching his classes and making sure every single student achieves the best possible result they can. His enthusiasm is contagious in the best possible way and it allows the classroom to be really fun but productive at the same time.The best thing about attending SHC is:
Getting to see and talk to my teachers, friends, and classmates every day. Most of the time it’s those people that get you through your schooling journey and make it a thousand times better than it already is.Three (3) words that describe my personality are:
Compassionate, determined, friendly.My favourite book is:
‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins.My favourite song is:
‘David’ by Lorde.Someone I admire is:
My mum as with everything she does, she always does it with determination, love, and compassion. This is what I aspire to show in my life as well.On the weekend you will find me:
On the weekend you would find me either focusing on my school work or spending time with my family.My greatest accomplishment OR sporting moment so far is:
Becoming a Year 12 Leader this year.The most memorable moment in my life so far was:
There are many that I have, however the experiences and memories of my two-and-a-half week Immersion trip last year is one that I will never forget. Going to India was such a unique and perspective changing experience and I got to experience the extreme ups and downs alongside my friends, which made it a thousand times better.What is your most prized possession?
A cross pendant that my mum gifted to me for Christmas.What is on your bucket list?
To travel to Japan and Korea.What skill would you most like to learn?
To learn another language.If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Superman, because of the kindness and compassion he shows to others.
Building resilience, friendship and House Spirit at Year 8 Camp
Our Year 8 cohort set off in House groups for their highly anticipated Year 8 Camp last week, where they spent three days and two nights kayaking, surfing and camping at Willow Creek Adventure Park and Narnu Farm on Hindmarsh Island.
Throughout the camp, students immersed themselves in a wide range of engaging outdoor experiences, including learning to surf, beachcombing, raft building, zodiac-style boating, beach Olympics, bike riding and cooking on trangia stoves. These activities are designed to challenge students, build resilience and encourage teamwork, all while having plenty of fun.
The camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to strengthen friendships, foster independence and further develop a strong sense of community within their House groups. Through group development and relationship-building activities, students are supported to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively and create lasting memories together.
Teen Parliament Scholarship winner, Kobe Collins
We are extremely proud to share that Year 12 and Tjindu Foundation student, Kobe Collins was one of 10 young South Australians to win a $10, 000 scholarship through The Advertiser’s Teen Parliament.
Kobe spoke about closing the gap in health and education outcomes for young people growing up in Aboriginal communities. After moving to SA from a remote community outside Alice Springs, Kobe believes there is a need for integrated programs that provide literacy support, health education, and life-skills learning both in remote communities and for students moving into South Australian schools.
“This would improve school completion, reduce long-term health costs, strengthen families and help build a healthier, skilled future workforce for our state,” he said.
“Every child deserves the same start in life, no matter their postcode.”
Congratulations, Kobe!
French Beauty Academy officially opens
We were delighted to officially open our brand-new French Beauty Academy training facility on Monday, an exciting step forward in expanding Vocational Education and Training opportunities for our students.
We welcomed the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Hon. Blair Boyer MP; Member for Gibson, Sarah Andrews MP; and Managing Director of The French Beauty Academy, Luke French, who joined Acting Principal, Daniel Head to engage with our students and officially mark the formal launch of the new facility.
This professional on-campus learning space supports students completing the Certificate III in Make-up while undertaking their SACE, allowing them to graduate with nationally recognised qualifications and a head start in the beauty and creative industries. This exciting collaboration reflects our strong commitment to providing high-quality, future-focused pathways that empower students to develop practical skills, build confidence and prepare for future career pathways.
We thank the Hon. Blair Boyer MP and our partners at the French Beauty Academy for their ongoing support. It is truly a fantastic opportunity for Sacred Heart College students, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have in the years to come.
Year 12 Chemistry students explore analytical science at Flinders University
On Wednesday, 24 Year 12 Chemistry students from Sacred Heart College visited Flinders University for a full-day Analytical Chemistry excursion. Students applied their SACE Stage 2 Chemistry knowledge through hands-on workshops in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography to separate glow stick components, and atomic absorption spectroscopy to analyse sodium levels in potable water.
These activities deepened students’ understanding of real-world analytical science. A fast-paced Codebreaker workshop challenged their problem-solving skills, and students also enjoyed an informative campus tour.
Arts & Music News
Stage 1 & 2 Drama students inspired at Adelaide Festival performance
This week our Stage 1 and 2 Drama students attended the Adelaide Festival to experience Slingsby’s imaginative production of The Giant’s Garden. The performance was a powerful example of contemporary theatre-making, combining striking visual storytelling, physical theatre and creative stagecraft. Students gained valuable insight into how design, movement and performance work together to bring a story to life, enriching their understanding of dramatic techniques and live production. It was an inspiring and engaging experience for all involved.
2026 Music dates and events
Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2026)
| Week 6 | Year 9 Dance Excursion (Rip Drag Ruminate) – Friday 6 March Live Music in the Quad (Champagnat band performs at lunch) – Friday 6 March |
| Week 7 | Come and Try Guitar with our Arts Leaders – Friday 13 March |
| Week 8 | Hearts Radio commences at Sports Day – Friday 20 March |
Marcellin Campus (Term 1 2026)
| Week 7 | Chanel House Mass – Thursday 12 March |
| Week 8 | Champagnat Sports Day Performance (Drumline) – Friday 20 March |
Sports News
Marcellin Sports Day – a day of spirit, sport, and House pride
Last Friday the Marcellin Campus community came together for an unforgettable Sports Day filled with energy, enthusiasm and House pride.
The day began with a meaningful Welcome to Country delivered by John Lochowiack, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the event. This was followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, proudly performed by our talented music students to officially open the day.
Students arrived dressed in their vibrant House colours, ready to compete in a wide range of athletic and novelty events. From track races to fun team challenges, the atmosphere was electric as students gave their all and cheered on their peers.
A clear highlight of the day was the much-anticipated Tug-of-War competition, which featured both boys’ and girls’ teams of 12 students battling it out in thrilling contests of strength and teamwork. The crowd support was tremendous, making it one of the most exciting spectacles of the day.
Behind the scenes, the Marist Immersions team kept everyone well-fed with a busy BBQ that ran throughout the day, while the school’s music department provided lively background music that added to the vibrant carnival atmosphere.
After a full day of spirited competition, congratulations go to Chavoin House, who claimed their sixth consecutive Sports Day Championship – an outstanding achievement and testament to their teamwork and determination!
Thank you to all staff, students and volunteers who contributed to making the day such a wonderful success. We look forward to another fantastic Sports Day next year!
Overall Standings
1st – Chavoin (1078 points)
2nd – Montagne (1068 points)
3rd – Fourviere (850 points)
4th – Chanel (802 points)
5th – Marian (624 points)
Spirit Award – Marian House
Age Champions
| Age Champions – Boys | Age Champions – Girls |
| Year 10 – Jackson Camilleri (Chavoin) | Year 10 – Zipporah Varcoe (Montagne) |
| Year 11 – Charlie Lines (Montagne) | Year 11 – Lani Cocks (Fourviere) |
| Year 12 – Max Thompson (Chanel) | Year 12 – Anique Cleggett (Fourviere) |
School Sport SA Swimming Championships
Congratulations to the Sacred Heart College Swim Team on their strong performance at the School Sport SA Swimming Championships, held at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre Last Tuesday.
Represented by 31 students from Years 7–12, the team demonstrated impressive speed in the pool across the competition. Competing in 94 events, our swimmers finished 3rd overall, with the girls delivering a remarkable performance to place 1st and claim the shield.
We extend our congratulations to the following students:
Owen Armstrong
Grace Bartemucci
Jobe Bevan
Charlie Dillon
Edward Dillon
Jack Fanning
Charlotte Fooks
Kirby Fooks
Willow Fox
Amaya Fulton
Evan Fulwood
Noah Gilbert
Poppy Hateley
Zachary Le Poidevin
Livi Meehan
Harper Molenaar
Oscar Norman
Anabelle Osborn
Jessica Osborn
Jessica Oxlade
Henry Raymond
Olivia Raymond
Alice Rose-Moss
Michael Scrivener
Esmaira Shrestha
Jada Smith
Milla Thomas
Noah Thomas
Kiana Venables
Zara Wasley
Phoebe Warriner
Our swimmers are to be commended for their effort and sportsmanship, with special recognition to our younger athletes who stepped up to compete in higher age groups. Thank you to the staff, parents, and families for their ongoing encouragement and support throughout the day.
Student Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to the following student on their outstanding sporting achievement, listed below.
| Noah Pittman (Year 9) | Selected as the only South Australian in the National Australian U15 Cricket team. |
2026 Sports dates and events
Champagnat Campus (Term 1 2026)
| Week 6 | Girls Soccer Trials – Thursday 5 March, 3.30pm – 4.30pm School Sport SA Year 7/8 Boys Individual Tennis Championships – Friday 6 March |
| Week 7 | Year 8 Girls Netball Trials – Wednesday 11 March (3.45 – 5.45pm) |
| Week 8 | Year 7 Boys Soccer Trials – Monday 16 March (2.15 – 3.30pm) Year 7 Boys Football Trials – Monday 16 March (2.15-3.30pm) Boys Basketball Trials – Wednesday 18 March (3.30 – 4.45pm) Year 8 Boys Football Trials – Wednesday 18 March (3.30 – 4.45pm) Year 9 Boys Football Trials – Thursday 19 March (3.30 – 4.45pm) Champagnat Sports Day – Friday 20 March |
Marcellin Campus (Term 1 2026)
| Week 6 | School Sport SA Year 9/10 Boys Individual Tennis Championships – Thursday 5 March School Sport SA Individual Golf Championships – Thursday 5 March, Reynella |
| Week 7 | Adelaide 36ers Senior Program Tournament, State Basketball Centre – Tuesday 10 March CEA Summer Photos – Thursday 12 March, Sacred Heart Marcellin Campus McAteer Function Centre |
| Week 8 | Girls T20 Cricket Knockout, Round 2 vs Seymour College – Wednesday 18 March, Sacred Heart Marcellin Campus |
Click here to view Sports Fixtures and Results.
Click here to view the full College calendar of events.