SACRED HEART GIRLS’ COLLEGE
NEWSLETTER
25 November 2016, No. 315
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace:
We thank you for the gift of life:
for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life,
for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life.
We thank you for the mystery of creation:
for the beauty that the eye can see, for the joy that the ear may hear,
for the unknown that we cannot behold filling the universe with wonder,
for the expanse of space that draws us beyond the definitions of our selves.
We thank you for setting us in communities:
for families who nurture our becoming, for friends who love us by choice,
for companions at work, who share our burdens and daily tasks,
for strangers who welcome us into their midst,
for people from other lands who call us to grow in understanding,
for children who lighten our moments with delight,
for the unborn, who offer us hope for the future.
We thank you for this day:
for life and one more day to love, for opportunity
and one more day to work for justice and peace,
for neighbours and one more person to love and by whom be loved,
for your grace and one more experience of your presence,
for your promise:
to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation.
For these, and all blessings,
we give you thanks, eternal, loving God,
through Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
By Vienna Cobb Anderson
TERM DATES 2016
TERM 4:
Monday, 3 October – Tuesday, 6 December
TERM DATES FOR 2017
TERM 1 Wednesday, 18 January - Office Opens
Monday, 30 January – Teaching Staff Commence
Thursday, 2 February – Years 7 and 12 Commence
Friday, 3 February – All students attend
Friday, 31 March – Term 1 Concludes
THE FORTNIGHT AHEAD
Monday, 28 November
Year 8 Geography Orienteering
Year 10 Reflection Day
Tuesday, 29 November
Years 7 to 9 Reconciliation
Year 10 A Day in the Life of a Uni student
Monday, 5 December
Whole School Assembly
Tuesday, 6 December
Years 7 to 9 students Final Day
End of Year Mass of Thanksgiving
Wednesday 30 November Years 7 to 9 Reconciliation
Year 10 students Final Day
Thursday, 1 December
2017 New Students Years 8 to 10
Orientation program
Friday, 2 December
VCE Art excursion to Heide Museum of Art
Carols at St Catherine’s Aged Care
Year 7 Grandparents Afternoon Tea
Carols in the Park 6:00pm-7:00pm
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Tuesday, 27 November is the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s (now St John Paul II) historic visit to Alice
Springs to meet with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
At this meeting in 1986, St John Paul reflected on the culture and traditions of Australia’s first peoples.
“Your culture, which shows lasting genius and dignity of your race, must not be allowed to disappear .., your
songs, your stories, your paintings, your dances, your languages, must never be lost.”
You are part of Australia and Australia is a part of you. And the Church herself in Australia will not be fully
the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that
contribution has been joyfully received by others.”
Pope Francis, in recognition of John Paul II’s visit to Australia’s first peoples, has sent a message honouring
this significant event. He echoes the words of John Paul …
I send cordial greetings and best wishes to you and the entire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the visit of Saint John Paul II to Alice Springs. I assure you of
my spiritual closeness as you reflect on the
many ways in which Almighty God has
blessed your community through this historic
visit.
This anniversary affords me the happy
opportunity to express my deep esteem for the
Aboriginal and Torres Islander people and for
your ancient cultural heritage.”
Pope Francis concludes his message
“Commending you and all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the intercession of St Mary of
the Cross McKillop, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord.”
Pope Francis
The Vatican, 29 November 2016
This Sunday we are called to come together in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and recall
the powerful impact John Paul II’s words and action had on the Australian Church and the need for justice and
acceptance. The theme of this anniversary is “A Celebration of Hope and Rebirth”. We are called to join in prayer
with our indigenous sisters and brothers as we seek to further Reconciliation in our Church and in our nation. At this
time, more than ever, we must take action to resolve the great injustices that have led to the high rates of suicide
and incarceration among our Indigenous sisters and brothers.
We pray the beautiful prayer of Elizabeth Pike a leader of the
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Victoria
Creator of all things,
Both seen and unseen.
Speak to us in your great wisdom.
Make us strong as we seek
Your help and guidance.
Teach us to love all people
Regardless of race or colour or belief.
May we listen with great care
To the heartbeat of this land
And to its people
Who cared for it so well
And for so long.
May the peace these people and their land
Have always enjoyed
Continue to be strengthened and
preserved
By all who wish to come and be part of
This country and its ‘Ancient Dreaming’.
Over forty mothers joined Julie Witts (Canteen
Co-ordinator) for the annual Canteen Volunteers
Dinner at Zest Restaurant at Holmesglen Institute
for an end of year celebration. I thank Julie for
her excellent leadership of the Canteen that
provides a wonderful service to the student
community. The support offered by so many
parents (mothers, fathers and guardians) is
outstanding, one that enables the very efficient
operation of the Canteen.
This year five mothers have concluded six years of service with the graduation of their Year 12 daughters. The
College acknowledges and thanks: Julie Arnold (Jessica), Jane Biasuzzo (Holly), Suzanne Hermon (Molly), Tania
Thorman (Elisha) and Mary Warren (Stephanie). Jane and Tania were acknowledged at the Dinner.
Thank you to all those who volunteer their service to the College through assisting in the canteen. Your service is
valued.
Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of
attending the awarding of prizes by the
Alliance Française de Melbourne for the
Concurs Berthe Mouchette held at St Kilda
Town Hall. Congratulations to Shenelle
Asirvatham (Year 12) for her third place in
the Year 12 Épreuve Orale and Cassandra
Bizouard (Year 8) for her special mention
in the Year 8 Récitation de Poésie. Thank
you to Mme Marie-Anne Esser for her
support of the French students in the
Berthe Mouchette competition.
Cassandra Bizouard
with her family
Shenelle Asirvatham
with her parents
The Annual College Award Evening took place on Thursday, 24 November. Congratulations to the over
300 students who received awards for their outstanding achievements in 2016. Thank you to Ms Fiona Hyslop and
the 2017 Student Leaders, Alana Hanney, Gemma Quinn, Shania Kelu, Shimona Albuquerque and Amanda
Dhammanarachchi, who hosted the evening. This very important event in the College calendar was attended by
over 1000, a wonderful reflection of the support offered by families for the excellent learning environment of Sacred
Heart. A number of special awards were presented on the evening including two new awards.
The Sister Theresa Parish Award, supported by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions was given in recognition of
the wonderful contribution Sister Theresa made to the College. Sister Theresa who died in February this year at the
grand age of 101 (2 months from 102), began her association with the College in 1959, two years after our
foundation. She became the second Principal of the College in 1969 until 1973. She was College Librarian from
1976 to 1983 and then worked part time in the library until her retirement in 1997.
The second new award presented on the evening was the Subject and Leadership Excellence Award sponsored by
Mr Steve Dimopoulos, the local State Member of Parliament.
Special Awards announced on the evening
Subject Excellence
Award
(Steve Dimopoulos MP)
Yue Yao Yan
(Year 9)
Leadership Excellence
Award
(Steve Dimopoulos MP)
Jamie Hansen
(Year 11)
Community Spirit
Leadership Award
(Clare O’Neill MP)
Jicksy Joseph
(Year 12)
Rotary Award
(Danny Petrie, President of
Oakleigh Rotary)
Marni O’Connell
(Year 11)
Rotary Award
(Danny Petrie, President
of Oakleigh Rotary)
Alana Hanney
(Year 12)
Monash Scholars’
Program
Verena Youssef
(Year 10)
Monash Scholars’
Program
Angelica
Moutsos
(Year 10)
Monash Scholars’
Program
Diluni Fernando
(Year 10)
Kwong Lee Dow
Scholarship
Angela Ho
(Year 10)
Australian Defence Force
(ADF) Award
Eleanor
Campbell
(Year 10)
Australian Defence
Force (ADF) Award
Olivia Sims
(Year 12)
Sr Theresa Parish Award
Sayurii
Katheesan
(Year 8)
Caltex Best All Rounder
Award
Meg Tully
(Year 12)
Valedictory Award
Mareesha
Noyahr
(Year 12)
Euphrasie Barbier Award
Ruby Ford
(Year 7)
Euphrasie Barbier Award
Sara Hopkins
(Year 8)
Euphrasie Barbier Award
Gemma Pisano
(Year 9)
Euphrasie Barbier Award
Angelica
Moutsos
(Year 10)
Euphrasie Barbier Award
Chloe Anderson
(Year 11)
Euphrasie Barbier Award
Natasha Segaan
(Year 12)
Principal’s Award
Elyse Pretty
(Year 7)
Principal’s Award
Mia Curigliano
(Year 8)
Principal’s Award
Ashleigh Dean
(Year 9)
Principal’s Award
Aleisha Shaw
(Year 10)
Principal’s Award
Meg Stewart
(Year 11)
Principal’s Award
Meghna
Aggarwal
(Year 12)
Every blessing for the fortnight ahead.
Christopher Dalton
Principal
“How much I desire that the years to come will be full of mercy, so that every person can experience the goodness and
tenderness of God!”, Pope Francis@Pontifex, 22 November 2016
FROM THE STUDENT WELLBEING LEADERS
There are many new websites popping up that focus on helping the wellbeing of youth. Sometimes it is difficult to
know which sites are useful and which are not. Here are a couple of new websites that may be worth taking a look
at:
Assistance with cyberbullying
The eSafety Commission website https://www.esafety.gov.au provides online safety education for children and
young people. It has a complaints and reporting page for those who experience serious cyberbullying and an
investigation service through the Online Content Scheme. The “iParent” page of the site helps build parent understanding about the digital environment. It provides updated
information on children’s technology use and guidance for using safety settings on web-connected devices, tips for
choosing movies and games, strategies for keeping young people safe online. The “Rewrite Your Story” section supports students to respond to cyberbullying through the support of friends in a
real life scenario. The “Cybersmart Hero” is an interactive activity for primary students that helps kids recognise a
cyberbullying situation.
Student Wellbeing:
The Australian Government Department of Education and Training has recently launched the Student Wellbeing Hub
www.studentwellbeinghub.edu.au as a new online resource for teachers, parents and students. The site provides
information on a range of student resilience and wellbeing topics along with classroom resources and interactive
tools. The parent section of the Student Wellbeing Hub has information for parents to help support the positive mental
health and happiness of their child. This resource also offers ways to work in partnership with their child’s school to
contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Caroline Duckett
Student Wellbeing Leader Years 10-12
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – FAITH AND MISSION
The Ozanam Community Centre - SHGC Outreach
After just finishing our Year 12 exams, Casey Anthony, Hashini Satharasinghe, Kim Hoang and Izabella Kendall
were given the opportunity to volunteer at Ozanam Centre on Wednesday, 16 November.
For different reasons, such as clashes with SACs, we had not been able to serve meals at the Ozanam Centre
throughout the school year. When the opportunity to serve meals was offered to members of Vinnies, we seized the
opportunity.
At the Ozanam Community Centre we
rolled up our sleeves and got to work,
serving lunch and dessert to marginalised
members of our community. It was a great
experience that we wish to do again in the
future. We recommend everyone to take
up this experience, as it is eye opening
and different from the everyday nature of
school life.
Many thanks to Mrs Watson for
accompanying us and to Mrs Grant for
organising this experience.
By Casey Anthony, Kim Hoang, Izabella Kendall and Hashini Satharasinghe of Year 12
Archdiocese of Sydney Social Justice Day 2016
Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College, Sydney
“A Place at the Table - Ageing and its Social Justice Implications”
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
In September the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference launched their
annual Social Justice Statement. For 2016/17 the focus of the Social Justice
Statement is “A Place at the Table - Ageing and its Social Justice Implications.”
Year 10 students from throughout the Archdiocese of Sydney gathered to
explore issues relating to elderly people in Australia today.
Sacred Heart Girls' College were invited to attend the Sydney Social Justice
Day and to share their key learnings from the Bethlehem Project. In 2013
Calvary Health Care Bethlehem invited students from Year 9 to participate in
The Bethlehem Project. For many years the Bethlehem Hospital’s primary
focus was maternity. In the twenty-first century Calvary Health Care Bethlehem
provides specialist palliative care for people with terminal illnesses such as
Motor Neurone Disease.
Catherine Beltran and Yazmine Panong were the two Year 12 students chosen
to share their experience of The Bethlehem Project. During workshops
Yazmine and Catherine shared the key insights they gained from the
experience. During 2014 the students visited the hospital, expecting to find a
place that revolved around supporting people as they prepared to die.
Catherine and Yazmine told participants that Calvary
Health Care Bethlehem’s focus is to enable people to live
life to the full, at all its different stages. Dedicated health
care professionals such as dieticians, physiotherapists
and music therapists support their patients as they
struggle with conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease.
Yazmine and Catherine told of how the Staff of Calvary
Health Care support their patients as they come to terms
with their physical limitations and their diminishing ability
to care for themselves.
Following one of the workshops a Year 10 student
expressed her gratitude to Catherine and Yazmine: “My
mother works in palliative care. I think it is really
important that you raise awareness of palliative care and
its place in the health care system. Thanks so much for
coming to Sydney to share your experience with us.”
Thirty-four students from Sacred Heart Girls’ College have participated in The Bethlehem Project from 2013-2016. A
documentary entitled Embracing Life examines how the project changed the student’s views of palliative care, giving
them a greater appreciation of life, and increasing their confidence to have conversations about death.
Embracing Life can be accessed online: https://www.calvarycare.org.au/public-hospital-bethlehem/services-andclinics/school-health-promotion/
The ICTHUS Prayer Group
On arrival at Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College we were
informed that one of the SCCVC teachers had previously taught at Sacred
Heart Girls' College. A few moments later we met Mr Michael Portelli, the
Leader of Catholic Life and Mission at SCCVC, who welcomed us to the
annual Sydney Social Justice Day.
In 2007, during his time at Sacred Heart Girls' College, Mr Portelli established the ICTHUS Prayer Group. The
ICTHUS Prayer Group was established in order to provide like-minded students with the opportunity to learn about,
express and celebrate their faith as Catholic Christians.
Mr Portelli told Catherine and Yazmine that ICTHUS, the symbol used by early Christians during times of
persecution, translated from the ancient Greek, means "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour." Mr Portelli was amazed
to learn that the ICTHUS Prayer Group still meets on a fortnightly basis, providing students of Sacred Heart with the
opportunity to bring together faith and life in their hearts and minds.
The ICTHUS Prayer Group, which gathers during lunchtime every second Tuesday,
celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2017. All are welcome!
Michael Smith
Deputy Principal – Faith and Mission
YEAR 8 NEWS
News from the Summit (Year 8)
As the school year draws to a close, it has been pleasing to see the Year 8 students continuing to apply themselves
to their studies. Despite not having to contend with exams like the older year levels, the Year 8’s have had to
prepare for and complete many assignments and tests.
This term several Wellbeing lessons focussed on the importance of innovation and new ideas. Year 8 students were
asked to challenge the notion that in Australia, generally considered to be an innovative country, one must wait until
adulthood before putting ‘Big Ideas’ into action. Working in groups of 2-4, Year 8 students then developed an idea
that could make a difference or enhance the school community in some way.
Teams presented their ‘Big Ideas’ to their homerooms with prizes awarded for the most popular ideas as voted by
each class. Many terrific ideas were generated; however, after careful analysis of all the group presentations, three
‘Big Ideas’ were chosen as the overall winners because they fulfilled the key criteria: viable, relevant & possible.
Congratulations to students from the winning teams:
•
•
•
Homeroom points competition: Katia Brancatella, Reena Dilinger, Isabella Pahljina and Marina Morks
Before school area for Year 7-9 students: Erin Bibby, Alicia Bird, Alina Fukuyama and Isabelle Grinter
Meditation/relaxation group: Anusha Ganti, Aleyah Luzares, Melissa Li and Vera Maitrak
Two Year 8 classes were also fortunate to have Sr Carmel Eberius, speak to them about her life as an RNDM sister.
Students were intrigued by her mission in Germany following the fall of the wall that divided East and West
Germany, and her current role in Rome working on the RNDM archives where she is more specifically working
towards the beatification of Euphrasie Barbier; the founder of the RNDM congregation.
In response to this fascinating lesson, 8 Red, encouraged by their teacher Catherine Jackson, wrote to Sr Carmel
with personal reflections on her presentation to the students. These were collated and presented to Sr Carmel before
she left Melbourne. Several reflections have been included for everyone to enjoy.
“Thank you Sister Carmel for the really interesting history lesson you gave us about the unification of Germany, and
also the information you gave us about Sacred Heart when you were here as a student. It was nice to hear about
what it used to be like compared to what it is now. I also liked to hear about you being an archivist, and what the job
involves. It is interesting to know that Euphrasie Barbier had written so many letters, which you now have and must
scan into computers for the future. Thank you for taking the time to educate us about history and your experiences
throughout your life”.
Mia Curigliano 8 Red
Thank you for telling us about your interesting life story. I have learnt many new things about the history of Germany
and other countries. You are very inspiring and l loved listening to your story about your dedication to your work as
an archivist. It was a delight to hear about your life and l hope you come again to tell us the rest of your story.
Vanessa Lim 8 Red
Thank you for speaking to us on Monday morning. It was really interesting to learn more about Germany and your
school days at Sacred Heart. It was also interesting to hear about how you started as a teacher and now working as
an archivist and a postulator to the congregation for the causes of saints.
Michaella Angelucci 8 Red
Thank you Sister Camel for your inspiring talk. You told us lots of important things that we need to know for our life in
the future. We learnt a bit of the history of Germany, about the wall that was built and destroyed and how the money
and jobs used to be. I thank you because I didn’t know any of this.
Melanie Moreau 8 Red
I think that your story was very interesting because I had never heard of an archiver before and it was fascinating to
hear about the life of an archiver. I think your talk was also interesting because we were able to learn the history of
Germany. I also enjoyed your talk because I thought sisters all had the same job, I didn’t know that a sister could
have jobs within the job of a sister. Thank you for sharing your life story with us, I enjoyed it thoroughly and would
love to hear more next time. I hope that Euphrasie Barbier really becomes a Saint!
Serena Kim 8 Red
Year 8 ‘Big Ideas’ activity
Students from the three overall winning teams
LANGUAGE NEWS
The Franco Schiavoni Memorial Scholarship, 2016
It is with great pleasure that I wish to inform the Sacred Heart Girls’ College community that
Ms Ella Louise White, our 2015 Valedictorian, was the Second Prize winner of the Franco
Schiavoni Memorial Scholarship (for Italian) 2016.
The commitment of our College to the teaching of Languages is often reflected in the level of
knowledge and keen interest displayed by our students not only during their years at the
College but also after they leave and continue their study of a language. We would like to
congratulate Ella on her wonderful achievement and encourage other students to pursue their
love of languages even after they have left the College.
Carmel McConnachie,
Head of Languages
MATHEMATICS NEWS
An outstanding result was achieved by Year 9 student Yue Yao Yan as she was a Prize
Winner and she attained the title of Best in School Award Winner in the Australian
Mathematics Competition. Yao received a badge and two certificates in recognition of
her mathematical talent. On Friday, 18 November, Yao attended an awards ceremony at
Wesley College where she also received a commemorative certificate for ranking in the
top 0.3% in this Australia-wide competition. Mrs Michelle Saddington and Mrs Pierina
Garretto were proud to be in attendance to witness the acknowledgement of Yao’s
amazing achievements.
57 Year 7 and 8 students volunteered to enter the Australasian Problem Solving
Mathematical Olympiad, APSMO, in order to challenge themselves further with this
extra-curricular opportunity.
The following girls were ranked in the top 10%: Jodie Do, Fiona George and
Laetitia Teo.
The following girls were ranked in the top 20%: Vy-An Le, Ewa Pluciennik and
Tyasha Perera ranked in the top 25%.
All participants are to be congratulated for their interest, efforts and achievements. Many thanks go to Ms Catherine
Jackson for organising and running the competition and also to Mrs Anitha George for assisting with supervision.
Their time and commitment are greatly appreciated.
All students are encouraged to continue entering these Mathematical competitions in order to extend and enrich
themselves and to also enjoy the experience.
Pierina Garretto
Head of Mathematics
SPORTS NEWS
TERM 4 SPORT - SOFTBALL AND TENNIS
Congratulations to all students who represented the College in the SESG Softball and Tennis competitions this term.
Three of our four teams accumulated enough wins during the round robin to progress through to the Grand Final.
Our Tennis teams both finished Runners Up, with our Junior team drawing with their opponents OLSH on the
number of sets won, but then losing on count back of the number of games won. Our Intermediate Softball team
proved much too strong of their opposition winning their Grand Final comfortably. Well done girls!
Emily Keely
Head of Sport
FROM THE PAST STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
The Past Students’ Association (PSA) has proudly announced the commissioning of a badge for past students. The
badge will be available for the first time in 2017, the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the College in 1957.
Members of the Past Students’ Association Committee, our Principal
Chris Dalton and Sr. Madeleine Barlow RNDM, held discussions
regarding the elements which should be incorporated. After a number of
drafts we agreed on this design. Our thanks go to Chrisa Damiris for her
creativity and to Filip Toth for his technical assistance.
The badge will be presented annually to the students of the Year 12
graduating class as a symbol of their transition from current students to
being past students and members of the SHGC alumnae.
The badge combines the following symbols which, as past students, we
hold dear to our hearts:
•
•
•
•
The Sacred Heart Crest representing our College
The RNDM cross recognising with gratitude the role of the Sisters in our history
The roses as a tribute to Sr Theresa, a former Principal and teacher, who began the PSA
The laurel leaf as a symbol of graduation
All past students are welcome to purchase a badge and to wear it proudly at the Anniversary events and reunions
next year and in the future. Badges are available for $10.
`Contact Lynne Evans: [email protected]
Lynne Evans
Archive and Alumni Co-ordinator
Join ACRATH and the
international community
for 16 days
of activism against
gender-based violence.
The campaign looks at the different forms of violence that
women and girls face. The 2016 theme is:
‘From peace in the home to peace in the world:
make education safe for all!’
November 25 is the start of the United Nations-declared 16
Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign, finishing
on December 10 – Human Rights Day.
Human trafficking is one of the greatest examples of violence
against women and girls. Human trafficking is a $150 billion
global industry – and growing. As well, millions of women and
girls are forced to work in terrible conditions for little, or no,
pay and no chance of an education.
Join the campaign

16days

“It is not possible to
remain indifferent
before the
knowledge that
human beings are
bought and sold like
goods!”
Pope Francis
Resources
Actions




A 16 Days Campaign poster for your
community, workplace, Church or
school.
A reflection sheet to use during the Reflection
16 Days Campaign
School resources
Prayers, readings and reflections to
Schools
use during the 16 Days Campaign
What you can do
Further reading and links
Ask the question.
Commit Reflect Act
Contact: To find out more about ACRATH’s 16 Days Campaign contact:
[email protected]
www.acrath.org.au/16days
Prayers