Independent Schools Guide 2022: How Sacre Coeur is breaking down barriers

A new centre dedicated to STEAM has sparked excitement around learning and discovery at Sacré Cœur.

The response to the centre from students and staff has been highly charged – the project has been a resounding success.

“There is a real excitement. The girls couldn’t wait to experience the building,” says the principal, Adelina Melia-Douvos.

“It is an important, innovative learning hub. The world is moving rapidly, and this school has always been about preparing our students to take their place in the world. A visionary religious order founded our school – the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – and they believed learning needed to look towards the future where all women could rightfully take their place. This building reflects that vision.”

Thoughtfully designed by Hede Architects, the St Madeleine Sophie Barat Centre uses best-practice design to create opportunities for students to experience an holistic, nurturing and challenging learning environment, which instils a mindset of curiosity, innovation and growth.

It contains three state-of-the-art science laboratories, an ICT laboratory and three library levels. The top level is dedicated to visual and creative arts, including photography thus the STEAM, rather than STEM, focus.

There is also a series of breakout spaces where students can work in groups or independently.

“The building has beautiful curves, so the design flows and creates a synergy between the historic and the new,” Melia-Douvos says. “There are also huge expanses of windows, so that natural lighting, so conducive to learning, is magnificent.”

The new STEAM-focused centre builds on an existing educational platform that places student learning, wellbeing and development at the centre of everything. The school works on the notion of students and staff being co-learners and working in partnership.

In Year 8, girls take part in the two-week No Place Like Home program in the city. During this time, they navigate world issues such as whether poverty can be stamped out and how, and what solutions there are to tackle homelessness.

In Year 9, in the Notre Monde (Our World) program, students work on a series of major projects on pivotal issues which highlight real-life applications of their learning. After a review with students last year, Notre Monde is being expanded to include more opportunities to develop life skills, Melia-Douvos says. It will include projects based on sustainability, waste, aviation and financial literacy and the development of STEM skills such as designing apps.

Roxanne Bergstrom joined Sacré Cœur in Year 3 and is now in Year 11. She particularly enjoys studying VCE Visual Communications and Design and Biology and has been actively involved in the Arts Festival and the Senior Choir.

“During my time at Sacré Cœur, I’ve learnt to manage my time, and I’ve developed a desire and a want to do my best.

“I’ve also learnt to reach out when tasks seem too overwhelming to handle. I love knowing that my teachers are here to support me and help me learn,” Bergstrom says.

“At the moment, I’m leaning towards wanting to be a veterinarian, but I think I would also enjoy being a graphic designer. I am always open to my aspirations changing.”

Melia-Douvos says Sacré Cœur students like Roxanne are principled, open-minded, curious, creative and analytical.

“They are individuals who take a very considered approach to life,” she says.

“While they will face challenges, I see incredible hope in our girls. They leave our school with a profound sense of self and, equally, prepared to serve the common good, understanding that they are part of something much bigger than themselves.”

SACRE COEUR \ 172 Burke Road, Glen Iris 9835 2700    

sac.vic.edu.au

Key details

Address:
172 Burke Road,
Glen Iris, VIC 3146

Enquiries:
(03) 9835 2700
sac.vic.edu.au
admissions@sac.vic.edu.au

Years:
Prep to Year 12

Denomination:
Catholic

Gender:
Girls

Fees:
$4905 to $28,065

Boarding:
No

Scholarships:
Yes

ATAR:
87.95 (Average for 2021)