Sacred Heart College, Sorrento

Sacred Heart College in Sorrento, Perth, Western Australia is a Co-Education, Catholic, Secondary School offering education to Years 7–12. The College was founded in 1967 by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions who originally operated the school in many areas around the Perth Metropolitan area and certain country areas. When founded, the College was a single sex school for girls. As the need for education due to population growth in local areas, Sacred Heart accepted a group of boys into the College in 1977. This school provided boarding opportunities and the land to the North was sold to local residents in order to fund further development of the school. To this day, there is a total enrolment of 1170 students with a Year 7 enrolment of 204. The College is situated on an 8-hectare prime piece of land overlooking both the Indian Ocean and Hillary's Boat Harbour. Facilities include extensive playing fields, hard courts for many sports, a Performing Arts Centre,^[1][2] Science Labs, Computer Labs, Gymnasium and specialised rooms for Engineering, Wood and Art. The current Principal Peter Bothe has demonstrated an ongoing lack of respect for members of the local community which has prompted a number of online comments and concerns about his behaviour.^[3][4] The Principal is know to use twitter to share his views @PeterBothe^[5]

Founding Order

The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions were founded by Euphrasie Barbier in 1861. Euphrasie was born in the town of Caen, Normandy in the French countryside. Her Parents were working-class people and encouraged hard work. When Euphrasie turned 19, she entered the congregation of the Sisters of Cavalry. She took the name Sister Mary of the Heart of Jesus. She moved to England for ten years but returned in to Lyons to form the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions with an aim of missionary peace. Her Congregation was a success and grew rapidly. The sisters arrived in Perth in 1897.

Spiritual

The college Spiritual Pillar reflects the work of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM Sisters). The college today maintains the philosophies of the Sisters through some extra-curricula activities such as Young Vinnies which provides donations for the St Vincent De Paul Society. The College also runs an annual "Vietnam Mission" which provides students with an insight of poverty and justice issues.

Media

The school featured in the media regarding Juvie Hunting ^[6] The school also featured in local newspaper as residents were unhappy with the school's stance on a future gymnasium development.^[7] Ignoring engagement with local residents and despite the City Of Joondalup council rejecting the school's development application, the principal ignored the wishes of the community and pushed forward through the JDAP process. Despite initial rejection from JDAP the school eventually won the right to proceed with the development. Principal Peter Bothe told local residents that he only served the Sacred Heart community and was not prepared to make compromises for the wider community. The school's Performing Art Centre was also developed with significant controversy with questions raised about the role of the City Of Joondalup's Mayor Troy Pickard ^[8] after major conflicts of interest were discovered where by the Mayor's own Brother in Law was the Business Manager at Sacred Heart pushing for the approvals. Sacred Heart's then Principal later endorsed Mayor Pickard for upcoming elections^[9] creating further concerns that the building was inappropriately approved.

Academic

The primary goals of the academic curriculum at Sacred Heart are, a love of learning, lifelong learning, excellence in learning The college also has a reputation for achieving outstanding academic results. In 2012 the median ATAR score for Sacred Heart was 86.50. Also in 2012 70% of Sacred Heart students went on to achieve at University, 20% went to study a TAFE course and 10% went elsewhere.

Cultural

Sacred Heart has an incredible facilities to enhance the arts at the College. The RNDM Performing Arts Centre is a 556 seat auditorium with superb acoustics and LED lighting. The theatre also has 18 Fly lines. The Arts Centre was mired in controversy when the school exceed the City Of Joondalup's guidelines and angered many nearby residents with its excess size and bulk. Sacred Heart also has many cultural programs including the Music Program. The music program encourages students to participate in music activities and ensemble groups. The college offers tuition in a vast array of instruments. The college also offers a Dance Program, which is very dynamic. Students are given many options to participate in many dance teams and concerts. Sacred Heart also received the Christian Dance shield from the Catholic Performing Arts Festival three times in its eight year history.

Notable alumni

• Sydnee Carter - The X Factor Australia Top 9, Series 6 (2014)

Sporting

Sacred Heart competes in the Associated & Catholic Colleges Carnivals. Sacred Heart has a very successful record in the competition winning the last 13 carnivals in succession out of the last 17 carnivals. Sacred Heart has won a total of 15 carnivals. The college also won a "grand-slam" twice (once in 2003 and once in 2011) by winning all three components of the carnival. No other co-educational school has ever achieved one "grand slam" in the history of the competition since its beginning in 1937. Sacred Heart also competes in the Northern Associated Schools competition (NAS). Teams play certain sports against the various other teams from other schools. The college also has had success in this competition.

References

External links

• Sacred Heart College Website