Sacré Cœur School facts for kids

Sacré Cœur is a special school for girls in Glen Iris, a suburb near Melbourne, Australia. It's an independent day school with a Roman Catholic background.

The school started way back in 1888. It welcomes over 700 students, from the youngest (Prep) all the way to Year 12. Students here can earn their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Sacré Cœur is also part of a big group of schools called the international network of Sacré Cœur schools.

School History

Sacré Cœur was founded in 1888 by a group of French nuns. They were part of an order called the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ).

The idea for the school came from Madeleine Sophie Barat. She started the Society of the Sacred Heart in Paris in 1800. Sophie grew up during the French Revolution. She believed that a good education, based on Christian values, was important. This would help create a fairer society.

Sophie wanted to create a special education for girls. She aimed to help each student use their talents fully. She also wanted to build a strong faith and a desire to help others. Her goal was to inspire a love for learning that would last a lifetime.

School Houses

Sacré Cœur has four Houses. They are named after important people in the school's history. These include the founder, St Madeleine Sophie Barat, and past Mothers Superior. The Houses are Digby, Duschesne, Stuart, and Barat.

Each House has its own color: red, green, yellow, or blue. The Houses compete against each other every year. They take part in many fun events. These include House Athletics, House Swimming, and the House Arts festival. There is also a house skipping competition.

Sports at Sacré Cœur

Sacré Cœur is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV). This group helps organize sports competitions for girls' schools.

GSV Premierships Won

Sacré Cœur has won several GSV championships. These are like winning the top prize in a sports league.

• Cricket (2 wins) – 2018, 2019
• Indoor Cricket – 2017
• Soccer – 2006
• Soccer, 5 a side (2 wins) – 2017, 2018
• Triathlon, Mini (2 wins) – 2016, 2017

Student Programs

Sacré Cœur offers many special programs for its students. These programs help girls learn and grow in different ways.

Year 8 City Cite Experience

In Year 8, students take part in the City Cite program. This lasts for two weeks. It helps students learn to be organized and responsible. They also improve their social skills and leadership. Students get to learn in different parts of the city. They work alone and in groups. Teachers are always there to help and guide them.

Year 9 Notre Monde Program

Year 9 students join the Notre Monde program. This program takes place in a special area of the school. It has many units, each lasting six weeks. Notre Monde lets girls experience learning in many environments. It covers subjects like Social Justice, Visual and Creative Arts, and International Studies. Students and staff use iPads for this program.

International Immersion Programs

In Years 10 and 11, students can join an international trip. These trips let students visit other countries. It's a great way to learn about different cultures.

Countries students can visit include:

• France
• Japan
• Italy
• United States
• Canada

Year 11 Retreat

Year 11 students go on a three-day overnight retreat. They go with students from St Kevin's and Loreto schools. This retreat helps them think about their relationships. They reflect on how they connect with family, friends, and their faith.

Alumnae Association

After leaving Sacré Cœur, past students can join The Sacré Cœur Alumnae Association. This group used to be called The Sacré Cœur Old Girls' Association. It was started in the 20th century.

Members of the association live in Australia and all over the world. The group organizes many social events. They also hold masses and events with other schools.

Some of these events include:

• The GLS Breakfast (a special lunch with Genazzano FCJ College and Loreto Mandeville Hall)
• Sacre Coeur and St Kevin's College, Melbourne Tennis Day
• Golf competitions
• Movie nights
• Reunions

Notable Past Students

Many amazing women have graduated from Sacré Cœur. Here are a few:

• Patricia Barraclough – A television producer.
• Robina Courtin – A Tibetan Buddhist nun.
• Marg Downey – An actress known for shows like Fast Forward and Kath & Kim.
• Alicia Eva – An AFLW Footballer.
• Paige Greco – An Australian paralympic cyclist. She won a gold medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games.
• Eilene Hannan – A famous international opera singer. She sang in the first show at the Sydney Opera House.
• Lesbia Harford – A poet, novelist, and political activist.
• Libby Lyons – Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
• Cathy McGowan – A politician who was a federal member for Indi.
• Pia Miranda – An actress, famous for Looking for Alibrandi.
• Anabelle Smith – A diver. She won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympic Games.
• Chrissie Swan – A TV and radio presenter.
• Marie Tehan – A Victorian state politician and Minister.
• Jane Turner – An actress, also known for Fast Forward and Kath & Kim.
• Jo Weston – A Netballer.

Other Sacred Heart Schools

Sacré Cœur is part of a larger family of schools. Here are some other Sacred Heart schools in Australia and New Zealand:

• Kincoppal-Rose Bay, Sydney
• Stuartholme School, Brisbane
• Baradene College, Auckland, New Zealand

See also

• List of schools in Victoria, Australia
• Victorian Certificate of Education
• List of Schools of the Sacred Heart