Our History

The story of Sacred Heart College began on the 16th of October 1887 when the foundation stone of the two original classrooms was laid. Our College was blessed and opened in 1888 and was conducted by dedicated Catholic lay teachers until 1908 and the arrival of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Sisters of St Joseph were founded in Penola, South Australia in 1866 with their work and values based on the ideals of the Order's founders, Julian Tenison Woods and Mary MacKillop, who shared a call to help and educate children. Whilst focusing on Catholic teaching, schools established by the Sisters of St Joseph were open to any child who wished to learn.

A responsibility to help those in need, to recognise that there is God in everyone and in everything, and to appreciate and cherish the people and the world around us, continue to be central to the Values and the Mission of our College.

From humble beginnings in 1888, Sacred Heart College has expanded to become a co-educational College for boys and girls extending from Kindergarten through to Year 10 and welcoming students and families from many different backgrounds and faiths.

The focal point of our College is the Church of the Sacred Heart, hosting members of the local community for regular worship and special services. The Church was built in 1884 and the College has developed around it to include a Primary and a Secondary Campus, purpose-built expansive teaching spaces and specialist facilities to cater for a wide range of student endeavours: academic, sporting, design and technology, vocational training and the arts.