Sacred Heart College Kyneton Principal Appointment 2019
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Sacred Heart College Kyneton
Principal Appointment 2019
Mercy Education
720 Heidelberg Road ALPHINGTON, Vic 3078
PO Box 5067 Alphington Vic 3078
T: 9490 6600 E: contact@mercy.edu.au
W: www.mercy.edu.au
Contents
Welcome ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 2
SECTION 1: COLLEGE OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................. 3
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Our Mission ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Our Vision............................................................................................................................................ 4
Our Values ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Learning .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Assessment and Reporting ................................................................................................................. 7
Achievement Data............................................................................................................................... 7
History ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Governance ......................................................................................................................................... 8
A Catholic College in the Mercy Tradition .......................................................................................... 8
Strategic Priorities ............................................................................................................................... 9
Student Wellbeing Structures ........................................................................................................... 10
Enrolment ......................................................................................................................................... 11
College Associations.......................................................................................................................... 12
Facilities ............................................................................................................................................ 12
SECTION 2: MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED ............................................................................................. 13
Governance Role ............................................................................................................................... 13
Board of Mercy Education ................................................................................................................ 13
Reference Material ........................................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 3: APPOINTMENT INFORMATION & PROCEDURES................................................................ 14
Role and Selection Criteria................................................................................................................ 14
Application Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 15
Selection & Appointment Schedule .................................................................................................. 16
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in the position of Principal, Sacred Heart College Kyneton for 2019.
All of the information in this document is intended to assist in discerning your eligibility and
suitability for the position, as well as fulfilling application requirements.
Page 2 of 16
SECTION 1 presents information about Sacred Heart College Kyneton that is of particular relevance
to the role of the Principal.
SECTION 2 provides information about Mercy Education Limited (Mercy Education), which operates
as the College’s civil governance authority on behalf of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia
and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG). Mercy Education is the employing authority of all Sacred Heart
College Kyneton staff. The Principal is a direct appointment of the Mercy Education Board of
Directors, whose appointment is approved by the Archbishop of Melbourne and ratified by the
Institute Leader of ISMAPNG.
SECTION 3 presents information about the new Principal’s role responsibilities, selection criteria and
appointment procedures.
SECTION 1: COLLEGE OVERVIEW
Introduction
At Sacred Heart College Kyneton, we strive to motivate new generations of young people to have the
courage to embrace the challenges of the future in a globalised society. Drawing upon our Mercy
values developed at Sacred Heart College we see our students continue to live the ‘Vibrant Life’.
We are first and foremost a place of learning, where quality teaching will be our professional pursuit.
We are a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition which offers great strength to our educational
endeavour. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1889, Sacred Heart College is a prominent part of the
history of Kyneton, having celebrated its 125th year of educational service to the community in
2014. This rich past has given witness to a College that has provided a caring, innovative and faith
filled educational setting that exists in all aspects of College life today.
Page 3 of 16
The College aims to facilitate the provision of the best possible learning environment for our
students. We value right relationships with all members of our community as we encourage our
students to value the dignity of each person. Providing viable pathways for the variety of students
that enrol at the College is central to the mission of the school, as we enhance the opportunities for
our students in this region.
Sacred Heart College has the expectation that all students will perform to the best of their ability
while developing a healthy sense of who they are and how they can contribute to our society.
Our Mission
Sacred Heart College Kyneton is a Catholic Co-educational Secondary School in the Mercy Tradition
where students thrive in a vibrant learning and caring environment.
Our Vision
Sacred Heart College Kyneton is committed to building an inclusive community that proudly
celebrates its faith tradition and Mercy ethos. Our students will aspire to excellence in their studies
and will retain a lifelong love of learning as global citizens.
Our Values
In living our Mission and Vision, we are guided by the following Mercy Educational Values:
• Service
• Hospitality
• Justice
• Compassion
• Respect
• Courage
Page 4 of 16
Learning
Innovative Learning and Teaching are the most important endeavour of our vibrant school fostering
growth in our students.
A World of Experiences – Years 7-9
Awakening students to the world of possibilities transitioning from primary education through an
academic, social, physical and spiritual journey.
In Years 7-9, our students at Sacred Heart College are offered a world of experiences as they have
the opportunity to develop skills, interest and knowledge across many subject areas. The core
subjects, Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Humanities, Health & Physical Education,
Science and LOTE – French / Japanese are studied for the whole year.
The electives in The Arts and Technology are designed to allow students to explore their creative
sides. There are clear connections to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
to begin to enable students to make informed decisions in the senior years about their future
pathways.
A Future of Possibilities – Years 10-12
Big school choices, small school atmosphere. Rigorous and relevant learning opportunities allow
students to explore and question ideas.
In Year 10 at Sacred Heart College, we launch our students into a future of possibilities as they
embrace the challenges of Senior School. As they consolidate their practices and skills in their core
subjects, students are also making informed choices about electives to study. The College also offers
a range of acceleration opportunities for those students who wish to extend their learning.
Vocational Education & Training (VET) Units are also offered to Year 10 students who wish to pursue
areas of special interest such as Digital Media and Hospitality.
Our Year 11 & 12 students have a choice of pathways to suit their various learning styles and future
aspirations. At VCE we offer 55 Unit 1 & 2 and 56 Unit 3 & 4 courses of study. There are several
Internal VET Certificates offered, as well as a number of External VET Certificates and the College
also offers School-Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships in a range of industries.
Page 5 of 16
A Practical Approach to Life – VCAL, VET & SBATs
Supporting our students to explore the possibilities and pathways that complete the secondary
journey at Sacred Heart College.
At Sacred Heart College we offer both an academic and practical approach to life.
Vocational Education & Industry Program (VEIP) is a program selected from the core Year 10
subjects, which has been developed at Sacred Heart College, allowing students to undertake weekly
Structured Work Place Learning (SWL) arrangements whilst continuing their studies.
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on, practical option for Year 11 and 12
students. The aim of VCAL is to assist students to improve their literacy and numeracy, acquire work
and industry skills, and develop as responsible young adults. Students also have the opportunity to
gain valuable experience within a structured workplace environment and identify vocational
pathways. VCAL focuses on applied learning principles and sits alongside the VCE. Learning programs
for students are comprised of accredited VCE, VET and VCAL modules that meet National and State
requirements.
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) offer wonderful career opportunities for
students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who wish to enter the workforce, remain at school and develop a
career pathway. They allow students to undertake a part-time apprenticeship while still at school.
Students are able to complete Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of
Applied Learning (VCAL) while developing skills in a particular industry through working and training
on-the-job, and receiving off-the-job training.
Co-curricular Activities
Sacred Heart College offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities for students. Whilst maintaining
a healthy balance with their academic workload, there is no limit to the number of activities for
individual student involvement.
Choose from an extensive list of extra-curricular activities including music, sport, public speaking,
debating and other cultural pursuits
Page 6 of 16
Expanding Opportunities
Recognising excellence, rewarding initiative and supporting students in all aspects of their learning
and futures.
Exchanges and overseas Opportunities
Sacred Heart College conducts two international exchange programs with students travelling to
France and Japan each alternate year. In the other year French and Japanese students visit us in
Kyneton. A homestay for approximately a week enables students to immerse themselves in language
before they undertake further travel in either France or Japan. In France students attend Lycee
Notre Dame du Roc in La Roche-sur-Yon, the capital city of the Vendee region. The area is significant
for the VCE History of Revolutions so students intending to undertake senior History are also invited
to participate in the program. Students of Japanese stay in the city of Osaka as well as travelling to
Kyoto, Tokyo, Hiroshima and rural Japan.
Assessment and Reporting
Sacred Heart College informs students and their parents about classroom achievement with
continuous real-time reporting through our Parent Access Module. This allows parents to monitor
their children’s progress and provides effective feedback for students to allow them to achieve their
best.
Achievement Data
The College is committed to using academic performance data to track student learning progress
and improve learning outcomes. The data sets include annual results for NAPLAN, VCE and ACER
testing, as well as a range of internal learning and wellbeing data.
Annual NAPLAN and VCE results are published in the school’s Annual Report to the School
Community. The 2017 Report is accessible from the College website under “Our College”.
History
Our College has experienced an incredible journey since its beginnings, celebrating 125 years in
2014.
Sacred Heart College is one of several Catholic Colleges owned by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of
Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG).
The Order was commenced in 1831 by an Irish woman, Catherine McAuley. At that time nuns were
enclosed – they could not leave their convents – and Catherine, knowing this, had no wish to found
an Order as she believed she could work more freely with the poor outside Religious Life.
Catherine, however, was given permission to found a new type of Order “The Walking Nuns”. They
were allowed to leave their Convents to walk the streets to minister to those in need. They looked
after the poor, sick and ignorant – founded homes for girls, began schools, visited the sick and gave
hospitality to all. Their lives were centered on God and their belief was “The poor need help today,
not tomorrow”. Catherine, an extraordinary woman, a woman of deep faith and trust in God, died in
1841, 10 years after founding the Order. Her work had already started spreading and, in the same
decade as her death, the Order spread to Australia.
Page 7 of 16
In 1846 the first foundation in Australia was made in Perth. Eleven years later, in 1857, the first
Victorian foundation was made at Fitzroy – “The Academy of Mary Immaculate”. In 1859 a
foundation was made in Geelong and, from that foundation, thirty years later, the Sisters came to
Kyneton – 1889.
Governance
Sacred Heart College Kyneton is governed by Mercy Education Limited (Mercy Education), the
delegated authority which oversees the education ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of
Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG).
Refer Section 2 for more information.
A Catholic College in the Mercy Tradition
Living the Mercy values of Justice, Service, Compassion. Courage, Respect and Hospitality to grow
into the global citizens the world needs.
The College Crest captures these values and comprises the following traditional elements:
• The Sacred Heart: The foundation of our College and our Feast Day.
• The Latin Motto: ‘Semper Fidelis’: The College motto is Semper Fidelis – Faithful Always
– an invitation to our students to live their lives accordingly.
• The Scroll: In ancient times, any important document was written on a scroll. Hence our
motto is written on a scroll to emphasise its importance.
• The Shield: The shield signifies protection. The training and ideals imparted to us during
our College life will act as armour and be a source of strength in our future lives.
• The Laurel: The palm or laurel branches symbolise victory. In ancient times the winner
of a race was given a laurel wreath in recognition of their victory; at Jesus’ triumphant
entry to Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches as a sign of his coming victory
over death. We are reminded that our lives can be seen as a struggle to win the prize of
victory given to us when we uphold our Christian faith.
• The Mercy Cross: This represents our Catholic identity and our Mercy heritage as a
school formed in the charism of Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.
Page 8 of 16
The Sisters of Mercy continue to maintain a presence at Sacred Heart College Kyneton, particularly
at College events and celebrations. Sisters who have taught at the College, have served as Principals
and/or who are past pupils are faithful in their ongoing interest in and commitment to Sacred Heart
College Kyneton.
We invite all members of our community to live out our identity as members of the Church and as
people of Mercy by actively participating in our social justice initiatives.
The College Advisory Council provides advice to the Principal regarding the operations and strategic
direction of the College. The Council comprises people valued for their wisdom and the contribution
they make to the College, including some of whom are parent representatives.
Strategic Priorities
Strategic Direction 2017-2020
Our Strategic Direction also contains our School Improvement Plan for 2017-2020. Our four year
School Improvement Plan, supported with Annual Action Plans, provides us with an immediate ‘road
map’ to achieve our newly stated Mission and Vision for the College. Please click the link below to
access out Strategic Direction 2017 – 2020.
http://shckyneton.catholic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/5146_SHK_Strategic-Direct_A5_V7-002.pdf
The College has commenced the process of Imagine 2030 as its next strategic development process.
Page 9 of 16
Student Wellbeing Structures
Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing is a shared responsibility which encourages students to grow in awareness of
their human dignity
Students at Sacred Heart College are part of a vibrant, inclusive learning environment that is
enthusiastically embracing the challenge of becoming an innovative 21st century learning
community.
With the focus on developing a whole school approach to Wellbeing through a Positive Education
lens, the processes and practices to support this platform are currently steadily and collaboratively
developing and adapting, to ensure that existing Restorative practices and approaches as well as the
Mercy values remain integrated. The important life-skills of making connections, building and
maintaining relationships and developing resilience are the key outcomes from a Wellbeing sense
for students at Sacred Heart College Kyneton.
House Spirit
Team spirit and an opportunity to grow in pride is available through all our College House Carnivals.
At Sacred Heart College our students are members of one of our four Houses: Chisholm; McAuley;
Nightingale; and O’Neill. The House system forms the basis of our teams for sporting and cultural
events. Each House is named after an historical figure of significance. Each Founder lived a life of
service to others and demonstrated many values which we regard highly as a Catholic school in the
Mercy tradition.
Page 10 of 16Students with staff support and involvement, compete for their House in a variety of sports e.g.
Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming. These three sports provide annual whole day carnivals for
the whole school.
Enrolment
The College August 2018 enrolment was 801 students.
Transition
Starting secondary school is an exciting part of a student’s educational journey. We are dedicated to
making the transition easy.
Transition is an important aspect of all students’ progress through
their school years. It involves moving from primary to secondary and
then navigating the changes as they move through each year level.
Transitioning from Grade 6 to Year 7 requires a program that
recognises the new challenges young people face.
At Sacred Heart College we provide opportunities for students to
experience the school environment at Orientation Day in December,
prior to their commencement the following year. For some students,
extra visits are arranged to ensure they are comfortable with
commencing at a new school. The Year 7 students begin the first day
of the year with our Year 12 students, allowing time to adapt and
experience their new environment, without the whole school
presence. Students then settle into the daily routine of classes,
finishing the week with a trip to the Melton Wave Pool. This gives an
opportunity for new friendships to be developed in a friendly fun-
filled environment. Year 7 staff and the Wellbeing Team are on board
for the day.
Our Peer Support Program, run by the Year 10 students and the Year Level Leader, establishes
supportive relationships within the first few weeks. The pastoral care program, supportive
homeroom and subject teachers, specialist learning spaces providing creative and educational
curriculum and a commitment to sound pedagogical practices ensure our new students have a
successful transition.
Sacred Heart is committed to ensuring all students experience a supportive environment as they
progress through their time at the College. New students are assigned a buddy to help settle in and
to navigate their way around the many diverse learning spaces. Pastoral Care programs are
embedded within the junior year levels. The Careers Team is proactive in providing a range of
opportunities for students to explore interests and map out pathways through interviews, lunchtime
guest speakers and careers integrated curriculum. Our senior students can undertake VCE, VET and
VCAL pathways with opportunities to undertake a range of VET and VCE subjects commencing in
Year 10. We are committed to ongoing reflection and refinement of all stages of transition ensuring
the best outcomes for our students. In our contemporary global world with students having many
opportunities available, Sacred Heart focuses on preparing our students for this journey.
Page 11 of 16College Associations
Old Collegians
Celebrate the Past, live the memories and embrace the future. Our past students are valued
members of the our community.
Our aim is to preserve the link between past and present students, recognise and celebrate alumni
achievements, offer support and connect alumni with old friends and new acquaintances through
reunions and interactions via the website.
There are many ways past students can stay connected with the College. Old Collegians are often
able to provide us with stories about their life after school for magazine and newsletter articles, they
are invited to come in and talk to current students about their pathway/career/industry, take on a
work experience student or get involved in mock interviews, sponsor an award, a production or our
Great Victorian Bike Ride students or just become involved in reunion organisations.
Community Engagement
The College plans significant initiatives relating to partnering with parents. Sacred Heart College aims
to develop an active Parent Engagement model at the school. The College hosted Parent
Engagement workshops each Term from Term 2, 2018. The Term 2 initiative was an evening with
renowned adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
Facilities
The following video gives a ‘fly-over’ tour of the College and its facilities.
http://shckyneton.catholic.edu.au/our-college/college-fly-over/
Page 12 of 16SECTION 2: MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED
Governance Role
Mercy Education Limited is an incorporated ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of
Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG), charged with operating all educational ministries over
which the Institute holds complete sponsorship. Mercy Education is one of the many works operated
by the Institute throughout Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Mercy Education operates at all times as part of the mission of the Catholic Church in conformity
with canon law and in strict conformity with the ethical framework of the Institute as determined by
the Institute Leader and Council from time to time.
ISMAPNG is involved with twelve fully sponsored schools, of which Sacred Heart College Kyneton is
one. There are eight fully sponsored schools in Victoria, three in Western Australia and one in South
Australia. The existence of Mercy Education gives strength, support and solidarity to each of the
member Mercy schools – staff, students, College Councils and parents – as the work of Mercy
Education continues into the future.
Board of Mercy Education
The governance role of the Board of Mercy Education is confined to the twelve ISMAPNG sponsored
schools. The Board sets policies, appoints Principals, approves senior leadership positions and fulfils
due diligence in the area of finance and audit management, capital development, risk management
and litigation.
The current Board Chair is Sister Sylvia Williams RSM. The Chief Executive Officer is Mr Christopher
Houlihan.
Reference Material
Candidates should note that significant reference material regarding Mercy Education is available on
the Mercy Education website (www.mercy.edu.au).
i. 2017 MEL Annual Report
ii. MEL Strategic Goals 2017 – 2019
iii. ‘Mercy Ed’ newsletter
iv. The Life and Legacy of Catherine McAuley brochure
v. MEL Constitution
vi. College Advisory Council Constitution
vii. MEL Policies
Page 13 of 16SECTION 3: APPOINTMENT INFORMATION & PROCEDURES
Role and Selection Criteria
‘An essential element of leadership is the preservation and nurture of the Mercy history, tradition and
philosophy so that students and staff grow increasingly towards the ideals of the foundress,
Catherine McAuley, in their life and work.’ [Mercy Education Website]
The new Principal of Sacred Heart College in 2019 will demonstrate the skills, experience and
personal attributes necessary to satisfy the following selection criteria:
1. Leadership of the Catholic Faith Community
2. Leader of Learning and Teaching*
3. Developing Self and Others*
4. Leading improvement, innovation and change*
5. Leader of the Management of the School*
6. Engaging and Working with Community*
* Denotes AITSL- key Professional Practices
1. Leadership of the Catholic Faith Community
As the Faith Leader of the school, the new Principal will promote the Gospel message drawing on
inspiration from Catherine McAuley and Mercy values and ensuring a prayerful, socially just school
community prevails.
2. Leader of Learning and Teaching
As the Head Teacher in a Mercy school, the Principal will strive for excellence in the learning and
teaching endeavours of all students and teachers, celebrating the high expectations, continuous
improvement and quality outcomes which inclusive practices bring.
3. Developing Self and Others
The new Principal will actively and collaboratively build a culture of improvement and effective
feedback on practices to create expert and empowered teachers and students who are cared for,
engaged, challenged and supported.
4. Leader of improvement, innovation and change
In leading a quality Mercy school, the new Principal will strategically plan for development that is
effective in improving student outcomes and scaffolded in a collaborative change process.
5. Leader of the Management of the School
Working collaboratively with others as appropriate, the new Principal will manage the human,
financial and physical resources of the school, ensuring a safe environment and ‘fit-for-purpose’
facilities and contributing to the well being of all.
6. Engaging and Working with Community
By their actions, the new Principal will lead a socially aware and just Catholic school, a hallmark of
which is successful family engagement and strong partnerships with Mercy Education, its College
Advisory Council, parent groups, local parishes and the wider community.
Page 14 of 16Application Procedures
The Eligibility Criteria require the successful applicant for the position of Principal to:
be a practising Catholic who demonstrates a firm commitment to Catholic Education
possess a proven commitment of participation in Parish life
have recent experience in a formally appointed leadership role in a Catholic school
be registered as a teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching
possess academic qualifications additional to teacher training in areas of theology
and/or educational leadership and successful participation in appropriate professional
learning activities
have Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School
provide a current criminal records check
undertake and sign an attestation that the applicant is not and has not been bankrupt
and has not taken the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt debtors, or
compounded with creditors or made an assignment of property for the benefit of
creditors
This College community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.
In addition, it is expected that the successful applicant will be familiar with and supportive of the
educational philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy.
In order to apply for this position you MUST submit ALL of the following items:
1) A covering letter that includes:
a) Your detailed response to the selection criteria as contained in the preceding
section.
b) A brief discussion of your educational philosophy
2) A completed Application Form (‘Application Form – Sacred Heart College Kyneton 2019
Principal’) to include all requested information.
3) Four confidential referee statements (one of which is for your Parish Priest)
Please find included a WORD template for the two page referee statement
The template for these, along with the covering letter (provided) should be
emailed by you to your referees with your name inserted.
As they are confidential references you should request that your referee return
the forms directly to the Selection Panel to chiefexecutive@mercy.edu.au
All four references will form part of your application and should be returned by
your referee before the closing date of applications.
Formal applications are to be addressed to the Panel Chair and forwarded to:
Mr Christopher Houlihan
Chief Executive
Mercy Education Limited
preferably by email: chiefexecutive@mercy.edu.au
(Email applications should be sent as a single PDF file)
Page 15 of 16Postal Applications may be sent to: Mr Christopher Houlihan
Chief Executive
Mercy Education Limited
c/- PO Box 5067
ALPHINGTON VIC 3078
Applications close at 5.00 pm on Monday 29 October 2018
Candidates should note that significant reference material regarding Mercy Education is available on
our website at www.mercy.edu.au
Selection & Appointment Schedule
Advertisement Saturday 13 October and Saturday 20 October
Applications Close 5.00 pm Monday 29 October 2018
Short listing From Tuesday 30 October
Notification to Round 1 Applicants for Interview Friday 2 November
Applicants not considered for Round 1 Interview
will be contacted in writing
Round 1 Interviews Wednesday 7 November
Referee Checks From Thursday 8 November
Notification to Round 2 Applicants for Interview Friday 9 November
Round 1 Interviewees not considered for Round
2 Interview will be contacted in writing
Round 2 Interviews Monday 12 November
Approval of Board Directors of recommended From Tuesday 13 November
candidate
Ratification of Appointment by the Institute After Directors’ Approval
Leadership Team and Approval of Appointment
by Archbishop
Offer to preferred candidate After ratifications and approvals
Announcement to College Community Wednesday 21 November (provisional on
ratifications and approvals)
Commencement Date 17 January 2019 or a later date to be negotiated
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