Our History
The RNDM Sisters (Relgieuses de Notre Dam des Missions) established Sacred Heart College Sorrento in 1967 to expand the capabilities of Sacred Heart Girls’ School in Highgate, an inner-city suburb in Perth.
The College's first 20 years saw significant changes which helped form the current face of the College. The first came in 1977 when the College became co-educational, followed with the appointment of the first lay Principal in 1985. Despite the change of leadership, the Sisters remained directly responsible for the day-to-day management of the College.
This arrangement remained until 1989 when the Sisters withdrew and Sacred Heart College became part of the Diocesan System of Schools managed by the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia. At the end of 1998, the doors of the boarding complex closed for the last time. It was the end of one era and the beginning of another.
The Sacred Heart College of today has changed significantly since its inception. There has been an extensive building and rebuilding program as the College increased in size and currently educates 1,510 students in Years 7-12.
Archives
The College established an Archive of historically significant records and artefacts in preparation for 50th Anniversary in 2016. The College Archives identifies, assesses and arranges items which relate to the history of Sacred Heart College and its wider community for preservation, research, interpretation and education.
To contact our College Archivist, Mrs Peta Madalena, please email archives@sacredheart.wa.edu.au
MRS PETA MADALENA
Archivist
archives@sacredheart.wa.edu.au
1960s
Home Among the Sand Dunes
With enrolments steadily increasing at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Highgate, additional space was needed. In 1958, land was purchased among the coastal dunes of Sorrento, which was considered the outer edge of West Coast Drive, to support the College’s future expansion.
The Sorrento site officially opened in 1967 with a small group of boarders, growing to 47 students by the end of the year. During this period, 4th and 5th Year students (equivalent to Years 11 and 12) were transported back to Highgate for their classes. In 1968, only 5th Year students continued this commute, with the remainder of students attending classes on site.
By 1969, the Sorrento campus was fully operational. It accommodated 72 boarders, all of whom attended classes on campus - marking the beginning of a new chapter in the College’s history.
1970s
Here Come the Boys
As the College expanded, 4th and 5th Year students from Highgate were transported by bus to attend classes at the Sorrento campus. Enrolments continued to grow, with 140 students (both boarders and day scholars) attending Sacred Heart College.
This period also marked a significant milestone with the first intake of male students. The newly named Sacred Heart College welcomed a total of 180 students, including 67 boarders and 19 boys, reflecting its evolving identity and co-educational future.
1980s
Consolidation
Sacred Heart High School in Highgate officially relocated to the Sorrento campus, uniting the school community on one site. This period also saw the appointment of the College’s first lay Principal, Mr Bernard J Boss, marking a shift in leadership.
In a significant moment of transition, the RNDM Sisters handed over the administration of the College to the Archdiocese of Perth, signalling a new chapter in the governance and direction of Sacred Heart College.
1990s
25 Years
As the Sorrento campus continued to grow in 1970, 4th and 5th Year students from Highgate were transported by bus to attend classes onsite. By 1972, enrolments had increased to 140 students, comprising both boarders and day scholars.
A major milestone was reached in 1977 with the first intake of male students. Now known as Sacred Heart College, the school welcomed 180 students, including 67 boarders and 19 boys, marking the beginning of its transition to a co-educational community.
In 1988, the College marked the end of an era with the closure of its Boarding House. This significant change reflected the evolving needs of the school community and the shift towards a fully day-student model.
2000s
A Decade of Major Change
The appointment of Principal Mr Ian Elder marked a new era for the College. He introduced the concept of the Four Pillars (Spiritual, Academic, Cultural and Sport) as the foundation of College life, while also working to maintain and strengthen the enduring connection with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.
This period saw major capital development projects, including the construction of the Pastoral Care Centre in 2002, and later, the RNDM Performing Arts Centre in 2010. The new facility, which also incorporated English classrooms and a Staff Room, was made possible through the demolition of the former Boarding House.
2010s
50 Years and Onwards
In 2010, Mr Peter Bothe was appointed Principal, bringing with him a deep respect for First Nations people and culture, which led to the development of the College’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. That same year, the College welcomed its first intake of Year 7 students into high school.
Under his leadership, the College launched its first Strategic Plan, articulating a clear statement of Core Purpose and Values. A strong focus on teaching and learning also emerged during this period, with the introduction of the Sacred Heart Learner attributes. The House System was established in 2012 with six houses, later expanding to eight in 2015.
The enduring connection with the RNDM Sisters continued to enrich the College community throughout this decade. In 2016, the College celebrated its 50th Anniversary, honouring both past and present members of the community. That same year, the new Koort Centre gymnasium and an Observatory were officially opened, enhancing opportunities for student growth and enrichment.
2020s
60 Years and Beyond
The appointment of Principal Mr Leo Di Gregorio, who had previously served as Deputy Principal during the 2000s and 2010s, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the College. With a continued commitment to the Four Pillars (Spiritual, Academic, Cultural and Sport), the College has remained focused on excellence in all areas of student life.
This decade has seen the development of the Maar Technologies Centre, alongside a strengthened focus on First Nations education. In response to growing pastoral care needs, the House System is set to expand to 10 Houses in 2026. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the College’s 60th Anniversary celebrations in 2027, a milestone that will honour Sacred Heart’s rich history while celebrating its vibrant future.
