SURSUM CORDA | LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS
EDUCATION
EXCELLENCE
The Sacred Heart Difference
At Sacred Heart, education excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by the MACS Vision for Instruction, our teaching is evidence-based and purposeful, ensuring every student is challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
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Mrs Jacinta Dalton, our Deputy Principal and Education Excellence Leader, oversees curriculum development and supports teachers in implementing high-quality learning experiences across our core curriculum and suite of specialisations.
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Our approach to learning combines explicit instruction, differentiation tailored to each student’s point of need, and opportunities for collaborative and active learning. This ensures every child can engage meaningfully with the curriculum, build understanding, and develop the skills to succeed academically and personally.
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By focusing on how we teach as much as what we teach, Sacred Heart creates an environment where curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning are nurtured, preparing students for success now and into the future.
ENGLISH
Our English program develops students’ literacy, communication and critical thinking skills in meaningful, engaging ways.
Students explore a wide range of texts, media and contexts, learning to read, write, speak, listen and view with confidence and purpose.
Through reading, discussion and writing, students learn to express ideas clearly, understand different perspectives, and engage with language creatively. They develop the skills to analyse texts, communicate effectively and apply their learning to real-world situations.
Our approach nurtures confident, capable communicators who can think critically, articulate their ideas and enjoy the power and possibilities of language.
MATHEMATICS
At Sacred Heart, mathematics is more than numbers - it’s about developing deep conceptual understanding, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that students can apply in everyday life.
Our hands-on, inquiry-based program covers number and algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics and probability, encouraging students to explore patterns, relationships and real-world applications.
Through collaborative learning, practical activities and rich tasks, students build confidence, resilience and fluency in maths. They learn to reason logically, approach challenges strategically and communicate their thinking clearly.
This approach not only prepares students for success in the Victorian Curriculum and beyond, but also equips them with skills for lifelong learning, decision-making and future problem-solving.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Sacred Heart’s Religious Education program nurtures spiritual growth, ethical understanding and a sense of purpose.
Students explore Catholic teachings, Scripture, prayer and the traditions of our faith, alongside social justice principles inspired by the life and message of Jesus.
Our program emphasises core values such as respect, responsibility, compassion, and service, supporting students to apply these values in their daily lives.
Through classroom learning, liturgical celebrations, social justice initiatives, and moments of reflection, students develop empathy, community responsibility, and thoughtful moral decision-making, growing as kind, principled and active members of the community.
INQUIRY
Our Inquiry program nurtures students’ natural curiosity and empowers them to become active, independent learners.
Through rich, real-world investigations, students pose questions, explore ideas, gather information and develop solutions to meaningful problems.
Inquiry learning integrates knowledge and skills across multiple curriculum areas - including English, eLearning, Science, History, Geography, Health and Civics and Citizenship - helping students make connections, think critically and apply their learning in purposeful ways.
Students learn to collaborate, communicate, analyse and reflect as they work through the stages of the inquiry cycle. They develop the confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions and take ownership of their learning - building the adaptability and problem-solving skills essential for lifelong learning.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sacred Heart helps students develop the skills they need to understand themselves, manage emotions, build resilience and build positive, respectful relationships.
SEL is embedded across all learning areas and daily routines, giving students consistent opportunities to practise empathy, problem-solving, teamwork and responsible decision-making. These skills strengthen wellbeing, support academic engagement and help students navigate challenges with confidence.
Our whole-school SEL program, Open Parachute, provides age-appropriate lessons that help students develop emotional awareness, resilience strategies and a strong sense of self.
Through explicit instruction, reflection and real-life application, students grow into emotionally aware, socially responsible and confident young people - skills that support them well beyond primary school.
eLEARNING
Our eLearning program equips students with the digital skills they need to learn, create and participate confidently in a connected world.
We take a balanced and purposeful approach to technology use, supporting students to build digital literacy, coding and computational thinking while using technology as a tool for problem-solving, creativity and communication.
Each classroom is equipped with school-supplied Chromebooks and desktop computers, ensuring students have reliable access to technology without relying on personal devices. Interactive displays and age-appropriate digital platforms support learning across English, Mathematics and Inquiry.
We emphasise safe, responsible and ethical technology use, helping students navigate online spaces with awareness and confidence. Digital wellbeing and cyber safety are explicitly taught, supporting students to develop healthy habits they can carry into secondary school and beyond.
Our approach ensures that technology enhances learning rather than replaces it. Students use digital tools to research, create, collaborate and share their thinking - building the digital fluency essential for their future.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
At Sacred Heart, our Physical Education program promotes health, fitness, teamwork and lifelong active habits.
Students engage in a broad PE curriculum that includes athletics, ball and movement skills, team sports and games, developing confidence, coordination and an understanding of healthy living.
Our Physical Education program features:
• Summer Swimming Program
• Hoop Time basketball tournaments
• Netball and cricket tournaments
• Elite Sports
• Interschool Sports
• School and Interschool Athletics Carnivals
• School, Interschool and State Cross Country
• Running Club
• Activities Led By Student Sports Leaders
• Multi Activity Sports Days
We also participate in the School Sports Victoria (SSV) program, nominating students for regional representative squads in a variety of sports.
Sports Facilities
• Football field and portable soccer nets
• Gravel running track
• Basketball and netball courts
• Downball and volleyball courts
• Gaga pit and outdoor fitness equipment
Through this combination of curriculum, specialist programs, interschool competition and excellent facilities, Sacred Heart students develop physical skills, resilience, teamwork and a lifelong enjoyment of sport.
PERFORMING ARTS
At Sacred Heart, Performing Arts fosters creativity, self-expression, and confidence through music, drama and dance.
Students develop performance skills, collaboration and an appreciation for the arts while exploring their own talents and cultural understanding.
Our program is delivered in a dedicated performing arts space and culminates in a school production every second year, performed in a theatre setting, giving students the experience of showcasing their skills on a professional stage.
Regular music and drama activities throughout the year further enrich students’ creative learning.
VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts at Sacred Heart nurtures and develops students’ creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills.
Students explore a wide range of techniques, materials and artistic concepts, expressing ideas visually while reflecting on their own work and the creations of others.
Classes are taught by a specialist Visual Arts teacher in our dedicated art space, which features an onsite kiln and a variety of tools and materials to support hands-on learning.
Each year, our Year 6 students participate in the ‘Leave Your Mark’ project, creating a lasting piece of art that remains in the school grounds - a celebration of their creativity and connection to the school community.
ECO-STEM
Our Eco-STEM program integrates science, technology, engineering and maths with sustainability education.
Students develop critical thinking, innovation and environmental stewardship through hands-on projects and real-world problem solving.
Our kitchen garden, where students grow, harvest and use fresh produce, connects classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences.
This program teaches responsibility, teamwork and healthy living while reinforcing sustainability concepts.
LOTE INDONESIAN
Students develop language skills, intercultural understanding and global awareness through Indonesian.
The program focuses on communication, cultural exploration and authentic experiences to build confidence and appreciation for diverse communities.
• Asia Literacy: Indonesia is our closest neighbour, and learning its language and culture helps students appreciate the diversity and interconnectedness of the region.
• Cognitive Benefits: Being primarily an oral language, Indonesian strengthens listening, speaking and comprehension skills, supporting English literacy and future language learning.
• Practical & Future-Ready: Knowledge of Indonesian opens opportunities in business, international relations and education, while aligning with our feeder schools for seamless language development.
• Global Citizenship: Learning Indonesian builds respect, curiosity and confidence to engage meaningfully with the wider world.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
At Sacred Heart, students have access to a wide range of enriching experiences, including camps, incursions and excursions, lunchtime clubs, and academic programs such as GATEways (gifted & talented programs), and competitions such as the Australian Maths Challenge.
In addition to music within the Performing Arts curriculum, an external provider offers optional onsite individual and small group music lessons at an additional cost.
Students also participate in extra-curricular sporting opportunities, including School Sports Victoria events, Hoop Time Basketball Tournaments, and district and regional competitions. School productions, performance opportunities, and recognition programs such as Aussie of the Month further help students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of values.
We also provide visits to our feeder schools for specialised programs, orientation sessions, and collaborative learning experiences, helping students transition confidently and engage with the wider school community.
These experiences complement the curriculum, supporting growth socially, emotionally and academically, and ensuring every child has a well-rounded and engaging education.
