From humble beginnings...
The history of
Sacred Heart College.
Since 1897
1897
Opening day.
South Australia’s first Marist Brothers open Sacred Heart High School and the Catholic Boys’ Primary School in Port Adelaide. Brother Stephen Debourg was the first Principal and chose ‘Sacred Heart’ as the name for the school through “the devotion to the humanity of Jesus Christ, as symbolised by his physical heart, the ‘Sacred Heart’, as the source of God’s redemptive love”.
1905
Largs Bay
As enrolments increase further, Sacred Heart College relocates to Largs Bay. The first Boarding students are enrolled.
1902
On the move
Two years after its inception, there were 40 students in the secondary school and 240 students in the primary school. By 1902, Sacred Heart High School moves to Semaphore to meet the needs of increasing enrolments. The school is renamed Sacred Heart College.
1914
Somerton Park
Sacred Heart College moves to its current location at Somerton Park after the Brothers acquire Paringa Hall from the Cudmore family. The College was officially blessed on 14 March 1915. Upon opening in Somerton Park, there were 25 Boarders and 25 day boys.
1923
Intercollegiate Round
The first Intercollegiate Round against Rostrevor College was held in 1923, starting a strong tradition that is still taking place today – 99 years later. The First XVIII Football teams took to the oval and Sacred Heart claimed the win, 7.5 to 5.8. In the 99 years of Intercollegiate Rounds, there have been five matches that have been won by the smallest margin – one point.
1924
Memorial Chapel
The Memorial Chapel construction was completed, commemorating all those old scholars who had fallen in World War I, and to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Brothers’ arrival in Australia, and the Silver Jubilee of their arrival in South Australia. The official blessing took place on Sunday 30 March 1924.
1957
Kilmore Exchange
The very beginning of a strong tradition that first officially began in 1957 and continues today – the Assumption College Kilmore Exchange. The First XVIII travelled to Assumption College at Kilmore for the first game, where Assumption College emerged triumphant, 14.23 to 7.7. The first Hearts win was in 1962 with a home ground advantage.
1958
Enrolment growth
With 694 students, Sacred Heart College is recognised as the largest Catholic school in South Australia.
1977
Co-educational
Sacred Heart College becomes part of the South-West region of Catholic Schools and in turn, moved to become a co-educational Senior College catering for Years 10 – 12. Twenty four girls enrolled joining 600 boys at Somerton Park on 8 February 1977.
1986
House groups
Brother Stephen Bugg introduced a new house system, applied to all areas of College activity and to provide a means for teachers to give support and guidance to students. Marcellin, Newman, Polding, Chisholm, Teresa, Joseph, Camara and MacKillop. Today, we have five houses: Chanel, Chavoin, Fourviere, Marian and Montagne.
1993
Largest catholic co-educational secondary school
Sacred Heart College becomes the largest catholic co-educational secondary school in South Australia with 834 students including 80 boarders.
2015
Amalgamation
Sacred Heart College Senior School (Year 10-12) amalgamates with Sacred Heart College Middle School (Year 6-9), formerly St Joseph’s School, to become Sacred Heart College.
2018
Marymount amalgamation
Sacred Heart College amalgamates with Marymount College to become one Year 7-12 co-educational College across three campuses.
2019
Opening of Champagnat Campus
Champagnat Campus (Years 7-9) at Mitchell Park opens its doors for the first time and becomes co-educational. Sacred Heart College Senior at Somerton Park becomes known as Marcellin Campus.
2022
Celebrating 125 years
Sacred Heart College celebrates 125 years of education (Quasquicentennial) and 150 years of Marist Education in Australia.
2023
Welcoming our 21st Principal
After having spent 4 years as the Deputy Principal of Sacred Heart College, Mr Daniel Lynch returned to the Hearts Community, warmly welcomed as the College’s 21st Principal.
