Which School Vic Edition 14 2022 by Prime Group

VIC Edition 14 - 2022

www.schoolcompare.com.au

A Guide to Non-Government Schools - Victoria Whichschool? Magazine VIC - 2022

$11.95 (inc. GST)

IN THIS ISSUE Choosing the Right School Independent Schools Victoria Feature Principally Speaking: Yarra Valley Grammar

Leaders in Educational Excellence Victoria’s First IB World School

Forty years ago St Leonard’s College became the first Victorian school to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an additional pathway to tertiary education. The IBDP’s internationally focused syllabus and rigorous assessment make it the tertiary entrance qualification most respected and widely recognised by the world’s leading universities. Our students benefit from highly qualified staff teaching across both the VCE and IBDP, helping them to attain the most prestigious scholarships at the leading universities in Australia and overseas.

The St Leonard’s College IBDP Class of 2021 achieved: • •

A median ATAR of 97.90 2 perfect ATARs of 99.95

• 89% of students achieved an ATAR of 95 or above • 94% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above • 100% of students achieved an ATAR of 80 or above In addition to the year 11 and 12 IB Diploma Programme, our St Leonard’s College Junior School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), a curriculum framework expertly designed for children aged 3 to 12. The IB PYP focuses on international-mindedness and the development of strong personal values. It fosters academic, social and emotional growth and values independence, initiative and self-motivation, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning.

To enquire about enrolment opportunities please email admissions@stleonards.vic.edu.au or visit stleonards.vic.edu.au to book a College tour. Scan the QR code to take a virtual tour of our exceptional facilities. 163 South Road, Brighton East VIC 3187

stleonards.vic.edu.au

Producing a highly credible resource that enables parents to make an informed educational decision for their children remains the central focus of WhichSchool? Magazine. When choosing a school for your child, there are numerous factors that need to be considered. At WhichSchool?, we understand there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and we have laid out a multitude of options which aim to assist parents in making this imperative decision.

WhichSchool? Is designed to be a resource that can be read, absorbed and used over an extended period of time to weigh up all the options to help ensure the best outcome for your child. From school management and facilities right through to values and philosophy, our directory provides insights from some of the state’s leading educators. To help make the right decision, we also host a website under the name School Compare, which allows parents to compare a school’s attributes that are most important to them. Visit the website at: www.schoolcompare.com.au. We are proud to be part of your family’s educational journey.

Publisher:

Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

Managing Editor:

Myles Hume myles.hume@primecreative.com.au

Editor:

Janet Stone janet.stone@primecreative.com.au

Art Director:

Blake Storey

Designers:

Michelle Weston, Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey

Chief Operating Officer:

Zelda Tupicoff zelda.tupicoff@primecreative.com.au

Group Sales Manager:

Terry Wogan terry.wogan@primecreative.com.au

Advertising:

Kylie Nothrop kylie.nothrop@primecreative.com.au 0422 046 299

Production Coordinator:

Michelle Weston

Client Success Manager:

Glenn Delaney

Whichschool? Magazine is a division of Prime Creative Media Pty. Ltd. 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne 3205 Ph: (+61 3) 9690 8766 Fax: (+61 3) 9682 0044 Subscriptions Whichschool? Magazine is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher. Ph: (+61 3) 9690 8766 E: subscriptions@primecreative.com.au

Janet Stone Editor for Whichschool? janet.stone@primecreative.com.au

Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format. Cover Yarra Valley Grammar Copyright Whichschool? Magazine is owned by Prime Creative Media Pty. Ltd. and published by John Murphy. All material in Whichschool? Magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information retrieval systems) without the written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequenses arising from information published. The opinions of the magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated. All photographs of schools (including students) depicted in feature articles and advertisements throughout this magazine have been supplied to the publisher (and approved) by the contributing school. All material supplied by schools is done so with the understanding that such images will be published in Whichschool? Magazine and may also appear on the our website: www.schoolcompare.com.au.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Contents Pg.6

Helping you score an A+ in education financing,

Pg.8 so you can focus on the specialPg.10 moments...

Pg.14

Pg.16

St Leonard’s College: 10 reasons why a school’s co-curricular program is key

Caulfield Grammar School: Supporting students to be ‘well beings’

You can’t put a price-tag on the best education for your child, but the significant upfront payments and extra costs can make juggling the household budget challenging. Futurity has supported the education journeys of families for over 45 years. We are an independent and mutually structured financial institution and Australia’s leading issuer of tax-effective, life-event Education Bonds. Our dedicated range of investment and loan products help families plan and pay for education expenses. We offer: Education Loans: Our Tuition Instalment Loan can help you pay your private school fees on time and spread the cost into manageable repayments over a 12-month period.^ Our Tuition In Advance Loan is tailored to help you pay the full year’s fees upfront. Our flexible repayment arrangements over a 12-month period^ help take the stress out of managing school fee payments. Education Savings and Investments:

Choosing the right school

ASG: What is the real cost of your child’s future?

A range of Education Bonds designed to help you tax-effectively save and invest to accumulate education funding, ensuring you are able to meet expenses when they arise.

Principally Speaking: Yarra Valley Grammar

Visit futurityinvest.com.au or ring 1300 345 456 to find about how Futurity can help you. ^Lending criteria applies. Full terms and conditions available on request. Approved applicants only. Conditions apply. Refer to website for detailed information. Product issuer and finance provider is Futurity Investment Group Limited ACN 087 648 879, Australian Credit Licence Number 236665, AFSL236665

Pg.18

Pg.20

Pg.22

Pg.24

Pg.25

Ave Maria College: A place to belong

De La Salle College: A re-imagined sports program

Mentone’s Girls Grammar: Empowering girls

Independent Schools Victoria: Finding the right fit

Catholic Education Melbourne: Opportunities for every student to reach their potential

Pg.30

Pg.40

Pg.44

Pg.46 Victorian Directory Listing

Non-Government Schools

School Profiles Melbourne Eastern Suburbs

Boarding School Profiles

School Profiles Melbourne Northern Suburbs

Directory Listing Victorian Non-Government Schools

Make an educated comparison to find your perfect school, in just four easy steps. Your new, definitive guide is here.

SCHOOL COMPARE

Efficient, careful curation for parents.

Search the leading non-government schools in Australia.

The ultimate news resource for your child’s education.

H O R C O M PA

.com.au

Choosing the R The independent sector educates around 40 per cent of Victorian students, offering parents from varied backgrounds a huge choice of schools based on values, community and culture. This magazine is a comprehensive guide to these schools and the broad range of learning options available. To help make the right choice for your child’s education, we speak with some of the state’s top educators and compile information about a range of leading academic institutions. Here, to kickstart your selection process, Which School? runs through the various factors to consider when choosing a school, along with several frequently asked questions. Established in 1881, Caulfield Grammar School is a leading independent co-educational school in Melbourne.

Open days & school visits Most schools hold at least one open day per year where you will be able to chat with the principal or headmaster, teachers and students, as well as other parents and prospective parents. Many schools also offer opportunities for parents to visit during regular school hours. Although much of the information you need in order to make a decision can be found online or in brochures, there are some things, such as playground facilities, that you may like to see in person.

e RIGHT school School management & facilities Do you get a sense that the school focuses on the future? Consider the vision that the school has for its future and whether it seems well managed. What is the principal or headmaster like? Are they respected by the school community? Do they have good people management skills? Are the school’s rules clearly stated, positive and well enforced? Are students encouraged to become involved in leading the school? Are parents encouraged to get involved in helping to develop school policies? What role does the school play in the local community? What unique facilities and resources does the school possess? Are before or after-school programs available? In what ways is technology used within the classroom? Is the school currently investing in new facilities that will be in use during your child’s education? Does the school offer external campuses or a sister school? What is the school’s computer policy?

Curriculum & co-curricular activities As Australia’s population becomes increasingly diverse, technologies more sophisticated and the demands of the workplace more complex,

independent schools are supplementing the national curriculum framework in a number of different ways. Your first step is to consider the finer points of a school’s curriculum and the skills that its graduates are known for, and whether or not these are in line with your own child’s unique strengths and interests. You may also like to consider whether cocurricular activities will fit easily into your family’s routine. Do you want your child to have access to community initiatives or overseas travel? Will the school encourage parents to get involved in school excursions? What languages does the school offer?

Values & teaching Are the school’s religious and philosophical outlooks and practices the same as your own? How are morals and ethics taught within the school? How do teachers handle bullying? What is the school’s disciplinary policy? Is there a counsellor or nurse on site? Is there genuine warmth and respect between the students and teachers? Do you think that the school’s teaching methods are aligned to your child’s talents, strengths and interests? What is the school’s homework expectation? How does the school monitor and report back on individual students’ performance? How accessible are the

school’s teachers if you have any concerns about your child’s progress? Is there an active Parent Teacher Association?

Academic performance & student life Look at the admission and selection criteria of the school, including which subjects it records its best results in. Check how the school ranks against other schools in the area. Does the school tend to channel children into academic or vocational streams? What are the school’s policies regarding gifted or special needs children? What are the advantages of the school’s size? What are the class sizes? Is there a maximum number of students that are allowed in each class? Is the school co-ed or single sex and how does this affect your decision? If co-ed, what is the gender balance of classes? How multicultural is the school? Are there peer-support programs to help new students fit in? How are positive, healthy relationships and friendships among students encouraged? What is the external reputation of the students? Is the school intellectually competitive? Will your child be sufficiently challenged? What proportion of the school’s students go on to study at university?

Cost & transport Does the school offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships or bursaries and could your child qualify? Besides tuition fees, are there other courserelated costs or extracurricular costs that you may need to consider? Does the school facilitate a carpooling program? Is the school’s location accessible by frequent public transport? Are there safe cycling roads on your route to the school?

One size doesn’t fit all

Set on a single 29 hectare campus, Yarra Valley Grammar offers a coeducational learning experience for students from Early Learning through to Year 12.

Remember that the ‘best’ school is the one that provides your child with a sound education and an environment in which to become a creative, reflective and critical thinker, make friends, feel safe and thrive. The best school for your child may therefore be different to that of someone else’s child.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Helping you score an A+ in education financing, so you can focus on the special moments...

WHAT IS THE REAL COST OF YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE? Education is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make to give your child a head-start in life. Understanding and preparing for the cost of education can make a big difference to the opportunities you can provide your child.

course of a 13-year school period. Secondary school fees are generally higher than for primary. And spending on older children for school camps and items such as sports equipment and musical instruments tends to increase for many.

For instance, the most prevalent barrier to parents’ choice of high schools for their child is cost. Once enrolled, the cost of schooling represents a substantial household expense.

Confidence starts with preparation The best way to take control of your child’s future is to plan and save to meet future education costs, and the first step is to create a personalised view of the true cost of your child’s education.

The Futurity Investment Group Planning For Education Index 2021* shows that, depending on a few factors, such as the type of school a child attends, the cost of education could vary from $66,603 to $340,882 for a child starting school in 2021. You can find the cost of your child’s education using the Futurity Cost of Education Calculator at futurity.me/coe-calculator. The hidden cost of education Regardless of school type, the cost of education includes more than just fees and parent contributions. Many times, this comes as a “cost shock” for families entering the public schooling system for the first time. The annual cost of schooling changes over the

Use Futurity’s Cost of Education calculator at futurity.me/coe-calculator to find the real cost of your child’s education now. The calculator offers you the flexibility to save your child’s education cost estimate, share it with your partner and even update it later. About the research quoted *The Futurity Investment Group Planning for Education Index is based on data sourced from a survey of 1,800 members on ancillary costs and public information on school fees, including the My School website. The data was also consolidated and analysed by Monash University.

Further information about the research methodology, assumptions, and results can be accessed here: www.futurityinvest.com.au/education-bonds/cost-of-education-calculator/forecasting-the-cost-of-education

The information in this advertisement contains general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you act on any advice in this advertisement, please consider whether it is appropriate to your personal circumstances. You should also read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement which is available on our website at https://futurity.me/product-disclosure-statement or you can obtain a copy by calling us on 1300 345 456. Product issuer and finance provider is Futurity Investment Group Limited, ACN 087648879, AFSL 236665, ACL No 236665.

PRINCIPALLY Dr Mark Merry, Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar School.

SPEAKING... Dr Mark Merry, Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar School, speaks to WhichSchool? Magazine about the importance of creating a school culture that supports wellbeing and cultivates community awareness to provide an environment that fosters well rounded, as well as high performing individuals. How have the last two years changed your school’s purpose and culture? I think one thing that Covid has reinforced is the absolutely critical role schools play within a community. It is not just about education, primarily it is, but as our neighbourhoods have become more and more anonymous and organisations such as churches and clubs have started to recede, the role of the school as the glue that keeps the community together is absolutely critical. I’m not just talking about the students or people who work in schools, I’m talking about their families and their extended families. Schools are the new parishes, the new neighbourhoods or the new clubs. We really are the social glue in the area that keeps things together, and Covid really underlined that. The big-ticket item during lockdowns was that we have got to get our students back to school, and the importance of schools as communities is critical. We delivered online for quite a while, certainly in Melbourne, but nothing can replicate being in a school with friends and being with adults that respect you and hold you in great regard, as we do at Yarra Valley Grammar. I think young people missed that, and we are now playing catch up and re-establishing the school

as such a critical part of their lives. In terms of us, yes we teach and our primary role is education and the students do very well academically, but there are all the other parts of being in school; there are the musical productions, the drama productions, there are students playing sports, debating and public speaking, there are friendship groups, there are chess clubs, there are all those sorts of things that perhaps we don’t even see the positive impact they have on young people. It is starting to reconnect them and we have a critical role there. Why do you consider student wellbeing a priority? We always knew it was important but progressively parents are now also seeing it as critical. For example, when we have our open days and tours, parents have traditionally asked about the academic program and all the opportunities. Yet, I’ve found that more and more parents are assuming that you’ve nailed down the academic side of things, and are asking about wellbeing programs and asking about how the school connects with young people and they are more interested in the quality of the culture of the school than ever before. I think what’s happened is they have seen what the absence of that looks like and they now know how important that is.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Principally Speaking...

The School offers a co-educational learning experience for students from Early Learning through to Year 12.

How do you connect with students and what are your wellbeing programs? We have proactive programs and reactive programs. The proactive programs include a partnership with a group outside the school called the Resilience Project. The Resilience Project are consultants that come in and work with everyone from our 3-year old’s right through to our 18-year old’s. Starting with the basics of friendship groups and how to be a good friend and working right through to safe behaviours around alcohol and drugs and then moving into the realm of anxiety and depression and motivation and purpose in life as well as mindfulness. Providing the skills required to successfully navigate from being a 3-year-old child to an 18-year-old adult. The first educators of young people are their parents and their families, and we know that but along the way the school have a role to play in lending that support in that whole process and we do that. We have a wellbeing team here at the

school, we have four psychologists who work with the Resilience Project on those proactive programs. The reactive programs include our pastoral team of tutors that look after people and Year Level Coordinators and Heads of School who react pretty swiftly if there is a need. So, we are able to head things off very quickly and before they do become bigger issues. I’m not saying you don’t get bigger issues. Being a young person is fundamentally about trial and error, so they will get error every now and again. So as long as we react appropriately there is always an educative outcome for error. You make a mistake, you rectify it, and you learn something from it. That is what growing up is all about and as a school that is part of our philosophy. We assume that people will make mistakes and then as long as we respond appropriately, and everyone learns from it, then the outcome is a good one.

What is your schools co-curricular offering and how does it benefit your students? At Yarra every student learns a musical instrument and gets taught how to read music and that includes your sporty types who might not have ever dreamt of going near a violin. Every student plays a team sport and that includes the students that perhaps aren’t sports people. We have our elite teams and we have teams where students can get out and have a run. That speaks to their cultural and also their physical wellbeing and belonging. Every student is involved in community service. Yarra has traditionally been the largest school contributor to the Royal Children’s Hospital for decades now. We have Year 12 students who go out and tutor refugee students in English. We do this because we view our mission as a school, as an academic institution, but also, we are intimately interested in developing character. We think that being a member of a team and contributing in areas such as music or drama or debating or other co-curricular areas,

Dr Mark Merry, Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar School.

You make a mistake, you rectify it, and you learn something from it. That is what growing up is all about and as a school that is part of our philosophy. We assume that people will make mistakes and then as long as we respond appropriately, and everyone learns from it, then the outcome is a good one. or in community service are important in developing character. What we don’t want to produce are entitled young people who think it’s all about them. We want to be part of a process. When parents want the best for their young people, they want them to achieve what they can achieve and be the best version of themselves and also be good, decent young people. So as a school we want to be great at getting results, and we do, but we want our young people

not to be entitled and not to be all about me and to have an attitude that the skills they learn at school are at the service of the community. Now, if we can be part of that process then we are doing our job as a school. We are about character and we are about shaping the next generation of contributors and that is what school should be about. The best schools are about trying to do the best for the young people for the purpose of them being able to contribute meaningfully to the community. If every school in Australia did that… what a great community we would have in the next generation. How does the environment at your school promote learning? We have a beautiful campus here, it’s very green and I think it does a lot to shape the way young people spend their day. I’m a firm believer that the environment of any school has a real impact on behaviour and where possible if you can value an area of study and have a beautiful environment it inspires the young people and what better place

to show that than the creative arts. So, we have created this beautiful Fine Arts building which looks over the Yarra Valley with a view that it inspires creativity and creativity also be rewarded. It is a beautiful faculty, and the young people love it. I think it’s going to inspire creativity. I really do. What attributes make a good principal? I certainly think communication, including written and verbal, and the ability to communicate with a whole range of people. Whether that means me going down to our ELC and sitting with our 3-year old’s and making meaningful conversation right through to talking to members of the public. We have just had 16 school tours through in the last 2 weeks and being able to communicate to the public and having a narrative around what the school’s about, where we are going, and why we do things is critically important. Being a principal is such a people orientated job, just engaging with people all day every day. If you don’t like people, it’s certainly not the job for you.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

10 REASONS 1. Social skills and relationship building Exploring a wide range of co-curricular activities develops your child’s interpersonal skills and enhances their ability to work within a team dynamic, providing them with new and varied scenarios to explore their capacity to communicate and support others.

A diverse array of activities and experiences is essential for your child’s scholastic development. When it comes to providing an unrivalled co-curricular program, St Leonard’s College, in Bayside’s Brighton East, ticks all 10 boxes. A renowned leader in the outdoor education space, St Leonard’s College celebrates 50 years of outdoor education in 2022.

At St Leonard’s College, your child has access to over 30 different sports to explore, including athletics, Australian rules football, badminton, basketball, cheer sports, cricket, cross country, futsal, golf, gymnastics, hockey, karate, kayaking, lifesaving, mountain biking, netball, running club, sailing, snow sports, soccer, softball, sofcrosse, sport aerobics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, touch rugby and volleyball. In years 5 and 6, students compete in a range of sports in Coeducational Independent Primary Schools Sports Association and South Yarra District Sports Association competitions. Students in years 7 to 12 represent the College in the Association of Coeducational Schools (ACS). 2. Resilience Developing your child’s capacity to overcome difficulties and bounce back after challenges so they can thrive is essential to an education for life. Experiential learning through outdoor education is an

ideal way to develop such abilities. A renowned leader in this space, St Leonard’s College celebrates 50 years of outdoor education in 2022. The College has a permanent campsite on the Banksia Peninsula, Camp Ibis, which provides the perfect setting for students to participate in water sports, orienteering and initiative challenges. St Leonard’s also offers adventure camps, mountain bike camps, snow sports camps, fitness camps, and hiking camps, in addition to the Duke of Edinburgh Award youth development program. 3. Discover and develop talents and passions Your child’s education should ignite their inner spark, uncovering their talents and interests and inspiring them to reach their full potential. From activities in sport to music and the performing arts, St Leonard’s also offers a variety of clubs such as Chess Club, Debating Club, Digi STEM Hub (coding, eSports and robotics), Writers Workshops, Public Speaking and House Activities. 4. Leadership Developing your child’s ability to lead others enhances their communication and listening skills, and refines their ability to motivate others towards a common goal. It builds their capacity to contribute to society in a positive manner. St Leonard’s College offers your child many leadership opportunities including College, House, Performing Arts, Sport, Peer Support, Social Justice, College activities and event leadership roles. 5. Concentration When your child spends time actively participating in an activity that they are passionate about, it helps to improve their brain function and ability to focus. Regular sport provides mental and physical health benefits whilst mastering a musical instrument builds concentration skills. The highly acclaimed St Leonard’s music program offers the opportunity to play in three bands, seven orchestras, nine choirs, three guitar ensembles, six jazz groups, six chamber music groups and international music tours. 6. Time management Participating in co-curricular activities teaches your child to prioritise and manage their time efficiently across varied commitments. It fosters student

WHY A SCHOOL’S CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM IS KEY agency as they learn to take personal responsibility and accountability. St Leonard’s offers before and after school activities, and all ACS sport takes place during the week, leaving weekends free for students and families to pursue other activities. 7. Initiative and social responsibility The ability to act independently and enthusiastically, particularly to instigate social change or positive environmental outcomes, are invaluable traits for your child to develop. At St Leonard’s, students are able to participate in Model United Nations, Indigenous Awareness Group, House Social Action, and The Amiel Society, which covers a range of local, national and international social justice initiatives. The College also runs its own food van service, Lennie’s Van, for Senior School students to participate in, supporting those who are disadvantaged in the local community. 8. Creativity and curiosity Creativity and curiosity are critical skills for the modern world. In addition to all of the clubs at St Leonard’s, the College also offers visual art exhibitions and competitions, film and animation photography, ceramics, portraiture, costume making, makeup/hair crew, stage crew and tech crew. The

From activities in sport to music and the performing arts, St Leonard College also offers a variety of clubs.

St Leonard’s College has won eight consecutive ACS Swimming Championships. St Leonard’s College Hart Theatre Company stages five productions per annum, including musicals and plays. The company has established a reputation for creating productions of the highest calibre, winning numerous Victorian Theatre Guild awards and being showered with an array of nominations from the Musical Theatre Guild of Australia. 9. Self-esteem and wellbeing When your child experiences success outside of the classroom, it can significantly improve their self-

esteem and wellbeing. This confidence can flow through to their academic studies, enhancing their self-belief and allowing them to adopt a more selfassured and contented approach to their school work. 10. Academic achievement A brilliant co-curricular program, such as St Leonard’s, develops your child’s confidence to actively engage in their learning. It fosters their ability to think creatively, concentrate, collaborate, effectively manage their time, and take responsibility for their academic tasks. St Leonard’s College provides a range of academic extension programs to support educational outcomes, such as science competitions, the Da Vinci Decathlon, Future Problem Solving, and study tours of South-East Asia and Indigenous Communities of Australia. It is through the diverse programs and brilliant teachers at St Leonard’s College, that your child will be nurtured to believe in their own ability to succeed. As a consequence, they will thrive academically, socially, physically and spiritually. St Leonard’s College welcomes enrolment waitlist applications for places in Junior School (ELC, prep and Years 1 to 4), Years 5 and 7, 10 and 11. Limited places are also available in other year levels as they arise. To learn more about St Leonard’s College or to book a College tour visit www.stleonards.vic.edu.au

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO BE The Lion King performance.

Caulfield Grammar School’s approach emphasises the integration and prioritisation of wellbeing within all aspects of school life.

Caulfield Grammar School’s school-wide approach to wellbeing focuses on nurturing all members of their community – staff, students and families, to become and remain well beings. This commitment is reflected within their school values, specifically that of thriving together, which represents the importance of each person taking responsibility for their own wellbeing and positively impacting the wellbeing of others. The school’s approach also places emphasis on integrating and prioritising wellbeing within all aspects of school life, recognising the impact that positive wellbeing has on learning and life outcomes. “Wellbeing and academics are intrinsically linked,” says Natalie Fanariotis, Caulfield Grammar’s Head of Wellbeing. “For a young person to learn at their best, they need to feel and function at their best. When we feel good, we function better, we relate

better to others, and we’re more resilient and can tackle challenges – whether that is a challenge in the classroom, or in life.” For Caulfield Grammar’s student body, which ranges from Early Learning to Year 12, their experience of this embedded approach is seen, heard and felt across all areas of the school. Central to this approach is visible wellbeing, an evidencebased model that integrates the fields of positive education, visible thinking and visible learning. Founded by internationally renowned psychologist, Professor Lea Waters, the model stems beyond the classroom, positively impacting interactions with and between students, families and staff. Rather than a set curriculum, visible wellbeing provides a shared language and understanding in which the school builds wellbeing and positive functioning across the community.

‘WELL BEINGS’ “I think schools are absolutely recognising the importance of wellbeing, that it is the cornerstone, the pillar of everything we’re doing,” says Natalie. “For our students to be great learners in life, they need to feel and be well.”

All junior and secondary students are provided opportunities to build their wellbeing skills and knowledge through a focused curriculum and wellbeing program.

Visible wellbeing defines six pathways that lead to positive functioning, each of which guide the development and delivery of wellbeing practices and programs within the school. These pathways support building knowledge and skills in staff, students and families in order to play to their strengths, manage their emotions, focus their attention, build supportive relationships, cope with adversity and set health habits and goals. As schools are required to continue to adjust during the ongoing global pandemic, these pathways help provide both students and families with the tools necessary to adapt to new ways of learning and interacting. All junior and secondary students are provided opportunities to build their wellbeing skills and knowledge through a focused curriculum and wellbeing program. Central to their experience is the school’s house system and broad and balanced offerings, both of which contribute to building a strong sense of belonging, connectedness and pride amongst students. To ensure staff are equipped to proactively build wellbeing and be responsive to wellbeing needs, targeted professional learning such

Caulfield Grammar’s visible wellbeing approach defines six pathways that lead to positive functioning.

as Youth Mental Health First Aid is provided for all pastoral leaders. This focus on adult learning also extends to families, who are invited to engage in targeted seminars and other learning opportunities designed to empower building wellbeing at home. Student voice is also greatly valued at the school, with their insights and ideas helping to shape and build the school’s positive culture. The student values project – an initiative designed to empower and authentically engage students – is one example of this. The project involved the cooperation of six student-led committees across Caulfield Grammar School’s Wheelers Hill, Malvern and Caulfield campuses, working collaboratively to define a series of aspirational behaviours that could be readily adopted and brought to life by the entire school student community. This important work enabled greater student understanding, contextualisation and ownership of the school values - pursuing excellence, inspiring creativity, thriving together, embracing diversity, and living wholeheartedly. Class of 2020, Emily Hawdon welcomed this unique

collaborative approach to the project in setting up students for success beyond the school gates. “I think the student input part of the project shows how progressive the values are and how the school will benefit from listening to the students, as well as teachers.” This commitment to focusing on developing and supporting the ‘whole-being’ and living the school values continue to be at the heart of the Caulfield Grammar School approach. In a COVID-safe world, this commitment to focusing on what really matters has never been more important – a motivation shared by Natalie through the Dave Hollis quote; “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider what parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” Caulfield Grammar School Principal Ashleigh Martin shares that: “Our students’ resilience and optimism have been a great barometer, and at all times decisions are being made with them at the centre. Students have shown they have inner drive and fortitude; they can and will do great things.”

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

A PLACE

TO BELONG Established in 1963 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Ave Maria College has forged a long-lasting impact as an intrinsic part of its local community.

The Ave Maria College Charter for Education is a holistic approach to education, acknowledging the inherent connection between faith, learning and wellbeing.

From the moment you set foot on campus, there is an immediate feeling of warmth and belonging, as our College prides itself on fostering a safe, open and supportive environment for all. As a slightly smaller school with 830 students, there is a strong commitment to truly getting to know each and every student, not just in the classroom but through the myriad of co-curricular and leadership activities available. The College curriculum is underpinned by the Ave Maria College Charter for Education, created in 2020 to articulate a holistic approach to education, acknowledging the inherent connection between faith, learning and wellbeing. These three key themes of the charter are embodied through our three College pillars of belong, engage and thrive. The charter outlines our Franciscan charism, learner attributes and wellbeing skills in a user-friendly framework that invites all members of our community to build their knowledge,

develop their skills and apply these to the world we live in. Faith Ave Maria College explores faith through seeking to strengthen our student’s relationship with God in everyday life, encouraging deeper contemplation, connection, and appreciation. Our rich and engaging religious education curriculum incorporates Catholic teachings, ethics and scripture in a way that informs all relationships to build a safe and welcoming community for all. At every year level, and embedded within our curriculum, students are provided with opportunities to support and champion social justice to give back to our community, living out the Franciscan belief, ‘For it is in giving that we receive.’ The College lives out this belief through encouraging kindness and

compassion on an everyday basis, and by providing additional opportunities to help others through Year Level charities, the Refugee Homework Help Club and raising funds for our sister school St Maria Mazzarello in Venilale, Timor Leste. Learning Ave Maria College is a high performing Catholic secondary school, evidenced by the median ATAR score of 72.93 from the Class of 2021. Our patron, Helene de Chappotin, professed, “learning is for fullness of life for all”. We support this by pushing the boundaries to deliver an engaging, collaborative, rigorous and relevant curriculum. With an emphasis on design thinking, STEM and enterprise skills, our innovative and challenging curricular prepares our students for the workforce of the future, we encourage students at every level to view learning, and the world around them, through a critical and creative lens.

Ave Maria College explores faith through seeking to strengthen each student’s relationship with God in everyday life, encouraging deeper contemplation, connection, and appreciation.

We are proud to offer a diverse curriculum across the many learning areas of; Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Humanities, Science, Languages, Visual Arts, Digital and Design Technology, Performing Arts and Research and Investigation. We work closely with families and students to address specific interests, needs and capabilities by developing bespoke learning programs that may include off-campus VET and university subjects. Wellbeing Ave Maria College’s school-wide approach to wellbeing emphasises the important connection between mental and emotional health with students’ academic performance, relationships with others and the world around us. As a part of this focus on wellbeing, the College runs a unique Mentor program to ensure our students are at their best. Students belong to year level based mentor groups and meet with their mentor teacher for daily check-ins and support. Every fortnight mentor groups gather for an extended period where they participate in education programs and activities based on the Visible Wellbeing SEARCH framework from Professor Lea Waters. Students

The College runs a unique mentor program to ensure students are at their best. are also involved age-relevant lessons on areas including respectful relationships, cyber safety and wellbeing practices. Throughout these sessions, students strengthen their understanding of resilience and make applicable connections to the real world, age-appropriate scenarios they may face. These sessions aim to equip our students with strategies to thrive through investing in healthy relationships, developing a growth mindset, practicing good habits, and investing in self-care regularly. Through regular practice under low-stress conditions, students are better able to draw on those skills during high-stress conditions, such as assessments

or moments of conflict. We practise pausing and taking a break so that students become used to managing their emotions using these tools. Students at Ave Maria College have reported that they feel clearer and more energised after a brain break, which leads to a better learning experience. Students are prompted to take a break during Still Point, a daily whole-school activity when we pause for a reflective minute each day. As a whole, Ave Maria College seeks to empower our students through these pillars of faith, learning and wellbeing by providing a foundation of support to truly belong, engage and thrive.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

A RE-IMAGINED SPORTS P

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE De La Salle College recently launched a sports initiative which is the first stage of a longer-term strategic plan to promote and enhance a broad range of sports and other co-curricular pursuits at the College. Stage one of De La Salle College, Malvern’s new sport program is to provide students with an aspirational Australian Football League (AFL) program. Australian Rules is the sport of choice for many students and Old Collegians, and building a strong and resilient football program remains a key priority. Alongside our strong relationship with De La Salle Old Collegians Amateur Football Club, the College is developing a football program and pathway for Years 5 – 12, invigorating the College’s strong football tradition. This year, we announced Michael Barlow (former Fremantle and Gold Coast player) as our AFL Senior

Coach, coaching the First XVIII team. Michael will also work with the Kennedy Club for Year 7 – 9 footballers, as part of our High Performance Sports Program. In another coup for the College, Richmond and GWS legend, Brett Deledio, will be assisting Michael and Andrew Raines (former Richmond, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns player) from One on One Football to facilitate our AFL pathways program. The new sports program complements the College’s High Performance Sports Program. Launched in 2021, the High Performance Sports Program coaches students interested in football, soccer, basketball, cricket, swimming and athletics. Students

The 1st XVIII ACC Senior Football Team with Michael Barlow.

nominate themselves to join this program aiming to improve their skills, learn from sports professionals and experience high performance training. Our Year 5 and 6 students participate in the Dendy Sports Competition which is an interschool sports

ACC Sport has a strong tradition at De La Salle College. The College is part of a group of 13 Catholic Secondary Schools which compete in weekly sports fixtures and three major carnivals; athletics, swimming and cross country.

S PROGRAM FOR

De La Salle College, Tiverton Campus.

Ryo Hayashi at the 2022 ACC Swimming Carnival.

competition beginning in Term 2 with Lighting Premierships against other Catholic Primary Schools. Sports include AFL, netball, soccer, basketball, cricket, district cross country championships and athletics. Our Primary students gain experience in sports competitions prior to being eligible to try out for an Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) team from Years 7 – 12. ACC Sport has a strong tradition at De La Salle College. The College is part of a group of 13 Catholic Secondary Schools which compete in weekly sports fixtures and three major carnivals; athletics, swimming and cross country. ACC programs also include debating, art and technology exhibitions and music performances. At the 2022 ACC Swimming Carnival, Ryo Hayashi (Year 11) broke the ACC U16 50m butterfly record which was previously held by a Whitefriar’s College student in 2010. Ryo is a stand-out swimmer and

competes across the country in various swimming meets including the Australian Age Championships (Nationals). He is a valuable member of our Torpedoes swimming squad which trains at Harold Holt Swim Centre. The swim centre is a convenient short walk from our Tiverton and Kinnoull Campuses. This year, we welcomed new staff member, Adriana Szili, a former professional tennis player to the College. Most notably, Adriana won the girl’s doubles title with Casey Dellacqua at the 2002 Australian Open. Adriana joins us as a teacher and College Organiser. She recently spoke about her achievements to staff and students at our annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. Our strong sports program and strategic approach, complements classroom learning, wellbeing support and the variety of co-curricular programs on offer. There is a pathway for every student from Year 5 – 12, at De La Salle, Malvern.

Adriana Szili.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Empowering

A smaller school community allows students to establish meaningful relationships with each other and their teachers at Mentone Girls’ Grammar.

Mentone Girls’ Grammar is inspiring the next generation of women to become capable leaders, creators, and innovators from ELC to Year 12.

A nurturing culture tailored for girls Mentone Girls’ Grammar Principal, Natalie Charles, believes that girls’ schools provide the perfect environment for young women to find their voice and learn to use it. In a world where girls are all too often faced with gender bias and stereotyping, an all-girl education provides a platform for every child to aspire to and achieve success beyond their imaginations and reach their potential in whatever pathway they choose.

heard; creating a strong sense of belonging that is underpinned by high quality teaching and learning.

“Co-education might be the dominant model in Australia at the moment, but that is because it is more cost effective not because it is a better model for the development of student outcomes, especially for girls,” she says. “Research indicates that girls thrive when they are in a nurturing environment that gives a voice to their opinions and choices, allows them to challenge themselves without fear of failure, and pursue a life of purpose, fulfilment and meaning. Girls’ schools allow young women to compete on their own terms in a way that is incredibly liberating.”

A smaller school community allows students to establish meaningful relationships with each other and their teachers. “It is a place where every girl can come as she is and find acceptance,” says Charles.

Small school. Big opportunities. The School’s small size creates an intimate environment where every girl is known, seen and

Small class sizes allow students individualised care and a chance to engage in thought provoking discussions. Charles notes: “The Mentone Girls’ environment is one where students are challenged, while being nurtured to be the kind of thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent and moral leaders that the world needs.”

A progressive education The School’s dedicated teachers are committed to developing a lifelong love of learning amongst their students. “Our approach is specialised. Our teachers are experts in their field and are passionate about bringing out the best in young people. They take the time to get to know each and every student and to develop strategies and provide support to help them

GIRLS succeed,” says Charles. “We empower girls to aspire to excellence and find the confidence to succeed. By believing in our students, we enable them to believe in themselves and exceed their own expectations.” A broad curriculum offering provides pathways for students to explore diverse subject areas. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests, challenge themselves and to disrupt gender bias in male dominated industries. “At Mentone Girls’ a third of our girls go into the science and health sciences space, which is rather significant and a testament to the liberating power of the all-girls’ experience,” Charles says. The School has a proud history of strong academic results, however there is much more to consider says Charles. “We ensure that our students feel equipped to take their place in the world so that they can make a difference for themselves and others.”

The School’s small size creates an intimate environment where every girl is known, seen and heard; creating a strong sense of belonging that is underpinned by high quality teaching and learning.

In an ever-evolving world, Mentone Girls’ Grammar supports the holistic needs of today’s students, while remaining cognizant of the power and potential of technology to enhance their experience.

students, and show them that anything is possible. These role models have forged successful careers across the globe and are a permanent reminder to our students to pursue their dreams.

“When used in an informed and intentional way, technology can have an enormously positive impact on the way our young people interact with the world today. We want our students to harness that power and experience the disruptive potential of technology to transport them in directions they’ve never imagined,” says Charles.

“The women who have passed through our School throughout our 121-year history are truly remarkable,” says Charles. “As one of our alumni put it, empowered women empower others, and aside from that being true for our graduates, post school, it’s also something we see every day in the beautiful way the older girls interact with the younger ones.”

The School’s recently appointed Director of Research and Technology facilitates a learning experience for students that encourages them to try programs and platforms, applications and hardware they’ve never tried before. Students at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School participate in a variety of projects through the Enterprise Academy; from developing water filtration kits for schools in Tanzania and Uganda without access to clean drinking water, to creating businesses that support women and girls in African communities with their proceeds. A strong focus on enterprise encourages students to think creatively, to learn about local and global issues and to design solutions to address these issues and make a real and lasting impact.

The School’s dedicated teachers are committed to developing a lifelong love of learning amongst their students. A close community A strong sense of community can be felt at this bayside school. Its location provides opportunities for community partnerships with organisations such as Life Saving Victoria and St Kilda AFLW. On a larger scale, the Mentone Girls’ Grammar alumni community consists of over 7000 women, worldwide, who provide inspiration to current

Mentone Girls’ Grammar’s priority is ensuring that its students feel safe to explore their passions, make mistakes and grow into confident and capable young women. Charles believes the single greatest asset a school can give its students is a sense of hope. She says, “When girls are known, seen and heard, they develop a deep sense of purpose, meaning and belonging, and from there, comes hope. And with that deeply instilled sense of hope, anything is possible.” To find out more, please visit: www.mentonegirls.vic.edu.au

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Going Independent FINDING THE RIGHT FIT It’s a common question when parents of pre-school children get together and the subject of education arises: ‘Are you going government or private?’. It’s a question that can be loaded with assumptions and, sometimes, misunderstandings, says CEO of Independent Schools Victoria Michelle Green. school for their secondary education. Sometimes students move from one school to another, within the same sector, before they find the right ‘fit.’

When people talk about ‘private’ schools they’re referring to non-government schools, sometimes not realising the extraordinary range of schools involved. It’s a category that includes the Independent and Catholic school sectors, for a start. Not only are their differences between these sectors and the government school sector - the differences within the sectors are sometimes just as great. Among Independent schools, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ school. Instead, they are incredibly diverse, ranging from large, long-established and well-resourced metropolitan schools enrolling, in some cases, thousands of students, to newer, smaller schools enrolling no more than a few hundred, or even less. They’re not just different in size, most are co-ed, but some are single sex. They follow multiple approaches to education, with different philosophical foundations and traditions. Many are faith-based, but even they may vary in how that faith influences their approach to teaching. Some schools cater for children with special needs, or those who are considered at risk of falling between the cracks in conventional schools. Their fees vary greatly. So back to the question I mentioned earlier. For many parents the choice between ‘government and private’ is not a binary one. It’s common, for example, for students to attend a government school in their primary years before moving to an Independent

All of this suggests that the initial question should be rephrased. Instead of parents first considering which school sector they want the children to attend, they should ask a more fundamental question, not about schools but about their child. What’s your child like? Their personality, aptitudes, character, strengths and weaknesses? What are their needs? What do you want for your child? What sort of school do you think will best meet their needs and your aspirations? For many parents a key issue is whether the school’s ethos matches their values – either educational or ethical or religious or a combination of all three – and the values they want to share with their child. Once you’ve considered these big, broad questions, you can then narrow your search, taking into account more practical considerations. You’ll need to consider transport options as school location can be crucial. Do you want single sex or coed? Is the size of the school a factor? Do you want primary or secondary or combined? What fees does the school charge and what extra-curricular options does it offer? Is your prime consideration academic achievement? Does your child have a strong interest in particular subjects? Do they have special learning needs? All of these questions can seem daunting, but the challenge can be managed. Talk to other parents, friends and family members

as their recommendations can be influential. Check out school websites which usually provide a lot of essential information. Above all, visit the schools you have in mind, either on open days or by making an appointment. Visits can help answer practical questions and they can also address more intangible issues. What did the school feel like? How was the atmosphere? What was the demeanour of the children already enrolled there; did they seem happy and engaged? And were the teachers you spoke to welcoming, and open to your questions? What was your child’s impression of the school? Can you see your child flourishing there? One of the great strengths of the Australian school education system is that for decades it has offered parents choice, and the opportunity to find a school which best meets the needs of unique individual students. There are 230 Member Schools of Independent Schools Victoria, educating more than 158,000 students in more than 380 schools and campuses in metropolitan and regional areas. Parents clearly appreciate the options these schools create. The latest official figures show continued high growth in the number of students attending Victorian Independent schools, despite the unprecedented disruption inflicted by COVID-19 on all schools across the state during the past two years. Enrolments rose by 3,451 in 2021, an increase of 2.3 per cent. There was a similar trend in other states. The figures confirm that parents are confident that Independent schools, with their diversity and autonomy, provide choices that enable them to meet the needs of their children.

Mercy College, Coburg, students at the launch of Project Compassion, which brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world.

Opportunities for every student to reach their potential Executive Director of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), Jim Miles, says Catholic schools provide a highquality, faith-based education for the ‘whole person’ that nurtures each child’s unique talents.

“Catholic schools work in partnership with families to develop young people whose minds and lives are empowered by their Catholic education to be active, responsible and virtuous contributors to the common good,” Miles says. “Respecting the dignity, diversity and contribution of each person, Catholic schools seek to be compassionate in all their relationships and strive for excellence in all they do, from serving their communities to being academic leaders.” Miles says a holistic approach to education enriches the intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional lives of students. “Our emphasis on the whole student has also been endorsed by academic research, with a

Curtin University study showing Catholic school graduates enjoy higher levels of life satisfaction.” Miles says various research partnerships and professional development programs for teachers underpinned contemporary teaching and learning, which has helped drive a number of above state average outcomes in NAPLAN, VCE and VCAL across the sector. “Our schools are deeply committed to excellence in teaching and learning, including providing extension programs for talented students,” he says. In keeping with their Christian ethos and a long tradition of education for the disadvantaged, Miles said Catholic schools also aim to be inclusive by

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

keeping fees low and remaining accessible to all who seek their values. He says that 15 per cent of Victorian Catholic school students are identified as eligible for Australian government disability funding, 15 per cent are from low-income families and around 25 per cent of students have a language background other than English (LBOTE). “In an important indication of the inclusive character of our schools, a Melbourne Institute study shows that Catholic school students are far less likely to be bullied than those attending government schools,” he says. “As part of this, Catholic schools not only aim to create zero-bullying environments based on a genuine concern for others, but also strive to be leaders in child safety.” Miles believes Catholic schools encourage parents to become involved in their children’s learning and engage in school life.

landscape of contemporary learning to engage students and prepare them as global citizens, equipped to face the world with confidence and sensitivity to social justice issues.” Parents Ian and Belinda McKay from St Martin of Tours School in Rosanna said the thing they most value about their school is that their children learn about their faith and live it each day. “Faith brings people together and strengthens the sense of community and belonging. We have experienced this faith in action many times at our school through the support we have received from the teachers and school community, particularly during challenging times when our daughter has undergone treatment for leukaemia,” they said. Thuy, a parent from Sacred Heart School, Fitzroy, says: “We are fortunate at Sacred Heart to have teachers who are friendly, caring and supportive. I feel safe here, and my kids feel safe too.”

“By working together, schools and families can create an effective learning environment and a climate of mutual respect,” he says.

A commitment to building the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills of every student to harness their natural curiosity and creativity is a vital part of the holistic education offered by Catholic schools.

“As always, Catholic schools continue to respond to the expectations of parents and the changing

“The attributes of a great STEM student are creativity, engagement, inquiry, academic risk-

A team of creative STEM students from St Raphael’s School, Preston West, present their ‘Frog Bog’, the winner of the Swinburne University Best Engineered Product Award at STEM MAD.

taking and leadership,” Mary Farah, the principal of St Aloysius College in North Melbourne, explains. STEM is about making a difference in the lives of others, which is a fundamental value of Catholic education. STEM is about working together, combining ingenuity and celebrating success – as Catholic schools do daily. Examples of schools offering unique STEM opportunities for their students include: • Students from St Aloysius College, North Melbourne, have visited the US to take part in the HASSE Space School Program in conjunction with NASA. • Creative STEM students at Christ the King School, Newcomb, were awarded the Innovation Award for their invention of more sustainable packaging that could be recycled if broken in transit. • A group of Catholic schools across Melbourne designed a racing car as part of the F1 Challenge, an international competition run with local support from Deakin University. • Teams of students from Melbourne’s Catholic schools also have the opportunity of presenting their projects at the yearly STEM MAD (Making

Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School Principal Renae Gentile (left), with parent Vanessa and Lucinda, the first student enrolled at the school scheduled to open in 2023.

a Difference) Showcase. STEM MAD promotes STEM learning initiatives that address real-world problems and demonstrates how students in Catholic schools take action that matters in areas ranging from health, the environment and animal welfare, to wellbeing and more. A growing sector With Catholic education’s growing popularity as a school choice and the expansion of school communities planned over the next decade, now is an exciting time for the Catholic school community in Victoria. This year more than 155,000 students – more than one in five – are enjoying a Catholic education in 335 schools across Melbourne. Catholic education is the second largest provider of schooling in Victoria. In 2022, two new schools opened to support the growing communities of Melbourne’s north and west. St Lawrence of Brindisi Primary School opened in the Parish of Melton South and Holy Cross Primary School opened in the Parish of Craigieburn. Planning is underway for additional schools in coming years to meet the needs of families, particularly in the western and northern regions of Melbourne.

Mary, Queen of Heaven Primary School, Greenvale, is scheduled to open in the Parish of Gladstone Park in 2023. Vanessa, the parent of the first student enrolled at Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School, believes that the benefit of having a Catholic school in such a new and growing part of Melbourne can’t be underestimated. “It’s our faith and it’s our upbringing. I’ve been to a Catholic primary school, Catholic secondary school and Catholic university, and it’s an amazing privilege to have Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School opening in Greenvale.”

Common Good’, found that Catholic school graduates are the highest earners with an average annual household income of $99,722, according to a study of Australians aged 25-39. This compared with $90,849 for independent school graduates and $85,489 for government school graduates. If you are interested in a Catholic education for your child, please contact your local Catholic school or visit www.macs.vic.edu.au/Our-Schools.aspx.

New primary and secondary schools are also planned for the parishes of Hoppers Crossing North and Melton South. Did you know? • University of Melbourne research has found that Catholic schools add an average of six points to tertiary admission ranks, or ATAR scores, at the crucial career-defining end of a student’s school journey. • A Curtin University study makes special mention of the ‘social capital’ contributed to the greater good of the community by graduates from Catholic schools. • A 2020 report, ‘Australian Schools and the

Parents Belinda and Ian McKay with Leila (Year 5) and Ethan (Prep), from St Martin of Tours School in Rosanna, say the school’s Catholic faith brings people together and strengthens their sense of community and belonging.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

Discover more: phone (03) 9331 9300 email avemaria@avemaria.vic.edu.au website www.avemaria.vic.edu.au 14–22 Vida Street Aberfeldie VIC 3040 ABN 41 797 200 262

@avemariacollege @avemariacollege @avemariacollegeaberfeldie

Catholic Schools

Ave Maria College Since 1963, Ave Maria College has been an intrinsic part of its local community, providing a welcoming and nurturing environment for young women, guided by the Franciscan values of Truth, Love, Peace and Compassion. Our College motto - Striving for Truth through Love - inspires us to learn about ourselves, our relationships with others and the world around us, so we can belong, grow, and thrive. Ave Maria College is a high-performing Catholic secondary school. We challenge our students to strive for excellence from Year 7, ensuring they are prepared for their senior studies in VCE and VET along with their future pathways. Our success is ultimately measured by the accomplishments of our students. Creating Pathways Last year, the College was proud to see the Class of 2021 work hard to achieve their academic goals as they remained resilient and dedicated amid the challenges of mixed mode learning. The cohort accumulated a median study score of 31 and median ATAR score of 72.93, evidencing the college commitment to academic achievement. Our careers staff and VCE teachers work hard to collaborate with senior students to provide a solid foundation for fulfilling careers and lifelong learning continuing well beyond their years at the College. 74% of students in the Class of 2021 who applied for post-secondary studies received their first preference. Throughout their time at the College, students skills are recognised, developed, and celebrated, imparting students with the courage to excel in whatever career pathway they choose. Graduates from the Class of 2021 have continued their studies in a wide range of fields, beginning tertiary courses within areas including STEM, Art and Design, Media and Communication, Business and Commerce, Allied Health and Education.

1963

Girls

Boarding

7-12

830

of our four patron saints Helene De Chappaton. Alongside Helene, our other College patrons are Mary mother of Jesus, St Francis of Assisi and St Clare of Assisi. Nurturing a faith community Ave Maria College seeks to strengthen our student’s relationship with God from their earliest days in Year 7. We encourage our students to contemplate the importance of faith during their school years and beyond graduation. At every year level – and embedded within our curriculum – students are provided with opportunities to support and champion social justice to improve the lives of others – living out our belief in the dignity of each person and connecting with our 2022 College Theme, the Franciscan message ‘For it is in giving that we receive”. Our call to social justice action is drawn from the Gospels, as we profess the Franciscan values of Truth, Love, Peace and Compassion. This is our way of knowing Jesus, and in turn knowing ourselves. At Ave Maria College, we place a significant emphasis on the gifts in which God provides us. We want to empower our students so that they can engage with their peers, grow in their confidence, flourish in their endeavors and thrive in our wonderful community. We would love to welcome you for a College Tour in 2022 to showcase our college in action. Tours are held throughout the year, led by both leadership and students to provide an authentic insight into life at the college. Bookings are essential to secure a tour. Please visit our website to register online for a tour or contact the College Registrar for further information via the details below.

Innovative Learning Environments Educating young women of the future requires the infrastructure to match. Ave Maria College boasts state-of-the-art facilities including contemporary learning spaces, which works to maximise the learning potential in all students. We provide functional spaces for both collaborative and individual learning. Our purpose-built classrooms are fully integrated with digital capabilities. Research areas and dynamic indoor and outdoor study hubs provide students with the flexibility to tailor their own learning experience. In 2017, the College embarked on a four-stage architectural Masterplan led by Ave Maria College Alumnae and Hayball architect, Marissa Cavalchini. The ambitious plan breathed new energy into the College community by redeveloping a 1960s two-storey building into a modern three-storey learning centre that reflects our evolving identity as a contemporary place for our students to thrive. This three-storey learning centre is now known as Helene Province and is utilised as a wonderful, contemporary and multi-functional learning environment for our students. The name Helene Province was inspired by one

About Ave Maria College A: 14-22 Vida Street, Aberfeldie VIC 3041 T: +61 3 9331 9300 E: Registrar.AveMariaCollege@avemaria.vic.edu.au W: www.avemaria.vic.edu.au

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Melbourne East Schools 1.

Carey Baptist Grammar School

Caulfield Grammar School

De La Salle College

Scotch College

Siena College

Yarra Valley Grammar

3 2

Legend Information

levels levels

19XX 19XX

Year Year School School Founded Founded

Co-Education Co-Education

Boys Boys Only Only

Girls Girls Only Only

Boarding Boarding

No No Boarding Boarding

Year Year Levels Levels

XXX XXX

Student Student Numbers Numbers

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Ringwood, Victoria

Melbourne East

1966

Established in the heart of Melbourne’s east in 1966 and set on a spacious 30 hectare campus, Yarra Valley Grammar overlooks the Yarra Valley and picturesque Dandenong Ranges. The School offers an extensive range of contemporary opportunities and sets high standards of performance, encouraging all students to achieve their personal best from Early Learning to Year 12. The School is a member of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria. At Yarra Valley Grammar, ‘confidence to achieve’ is our mantra and our students’ reality. We aim to instil a love of learning that starts from our students’ very earliest years at school. We are proud of our reputation as an inclusive, caring place to learn and grow, and of our ability to bring out the best in our students through an expansive program delivered by exceptional teachers. Great teachers are able to vary the way they teach to suit the way each student learns. This takes patience, flexibility and the ability to see things from the students’ perspective. The School’s teachers know their material, love their subjects and love to teach. They have a genuine interest in getting to know their students, so they can teach them effectively, encourage them to achieve their best, identify issues or problems and care for their welfare. Curriculum The Early Learning Centre at Yarra Valley Grammar offers Early Childhood Programs to children aged 3-5 years. The children are taught by creative teachers who understand that the early years are a highly significant stage in a child’s development. Our strength is building strong relationships with children, nurturing their personal growth and feelings of confidence. We work closely with families, acknowledging the differences that each child’s personality, experiences and abilities contributes to the Centre. The programs are underpinned by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Developmental Framework and reflect an emergent curriculum where the children’s needs and interests are put first. Each component of learning is delivered through stimulating play experiences drawing on quality resources and professional expertise. The Junior School curriculum focuses on establishing strong skills in the key areas of literacy and numeracy, and core subjects include English, Mathematics, Integrated Studies (including Science, History and Geography) and Personal Development. This is complemented by a specialist program, including Art and Craft, French, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education and Library sessions, and context-based inquiry learning days, incursions and excursions, community partnerships, academic and design innovation learning opportunities, and community service activities. Learning about the environment and the importance of sustainability and social innovation is learnt through a STEAM based approach, with a focus on fostering a curious and creative approach. Learning and teaching in Middle School incorporates a dynamic mix of experiential learning combined with teacher-guided instruction. Our curriculum is inspiring and exciting, and is differentiated to meet the needs and interests of our students. We love to immerse our students in experiences that enhance their classroom learning and make school enjoyable and fun. An ESTEAM (Entrepreneurship Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) program is included in the Year 8 curriculum. This program offers learning challenges across each of the curriculum areas providing opportunities for problem solving, creativity and endeavour. Key areas of focus will be coding & robotics, product design, food, business, digital technologies and importantly, the celebration of outcomes. The LINK@9 Program builds upon the Year 8 ESTEAM experience. It builds on the many strengths of past LINK programs to delve into the world of

Co-ed

Boarding

ELC-12

1500

entrepreneurship and enterprise. Students will have opportunities to learn about commercial and social enterprises and develop their own product or service. With the help of entrepreneurial facilitators, our students will be challenged to design, research and market their product or service to the Yarra community. In the Senior School our aim is to provide an education with a particular focus on academic excellence. Our programs, VCE subject offerings, teaching and learning practice, standards and expectations are all geared towards our students achieving a personal best in their academic results that will allow them to proceed into their chosen tertiary course or career. Student Wellbeing A student wellbeing program in conjunction with The Resilience Project has been implemented across the School. This program focuses on empathy, mindfulness, gratitude and emotional literacy to encourage healthy mental wellbeing and is incorporated into the curriculum. Facilities The School boasts spacious grounds on 30 hectares complete with onsite playing fields including, a sports complex with gymnasium and basketball courts, tennis courts, netball courts, hockey pitch, indoor heated swimming pool and stadium seating, football ovals, and an undercover multi-purpose sports area for Junior School. Our Science and Mathematics Facility, Resource Centre and Food Technology Kitchen offers students state-of-the-art facilities to learn. There are also superior facilities for Music, Drama and Dance within the George Wood Performing Arts Centre and Music School. The School’s internationally acclaimed Hearing Unit also has a high-tech learning facility onsite which integrates within the classrooms across the School. The new Fine Arts Building, which incorporates classrooms, work spaces and a gallery, was opened in 2021.

About Yarra Valley Grammar A: Kalinda Road, Ringwood VIC 3124 T: +61 3 9262 7700 E: admissions@yvg.vic.edu.au W: www.yvg.vic.edu.au

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

They’re developing a mind for life. At Caulfield Grammar School, we nurture learners to become capable, curious and emotionally aware so they can create whatever path in life they choose. To empower your child to achieve this, we offer extensive broad and balanced experiences that develop global perspectives. Your child will come to know who they are, what they value and why they are valued in our supportive and dynamic learning environments. This provides more than an education. It equips them with the emotional and academic capabilities they need to be themselves, navigate life’s challenges and live with purpose and passion.

Explore our learning experiences and campuses by scanning the QR code or visiting caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au/visit-us

WHEELERS HILL ELC to Year 12

MALVERN ELC to Year 6

CAULFIELD Years 7 to 12

BOARDING Years 9 to 12

CO-EDUCATIONAL EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 12 caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au +61 3 9524 6333

Melbourne East

1881

ABOUT CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL Caulfield Grammar School proudly offers a thriving learning environment that nourishes students to know who they are, what they value and why they are valued. These competencies are nurtured in the way we teach, the breadth of co-curricular offerings, and our commitment to every learner’s wellbeing. Established in 1881, your child is offered continuity of learning throughout the entire school journey. State-of-the-art technology, blended with modern learning practices and outstanding facilities, ensures that students can follow their passions. Our community-focused campuses provide active Parents & Friends Associations and a welcoming, nurturing atmosphere for students and their families. Our House system also allows students to connect and grow and feel a sense of belonging. OUR METROPOLITAN CAMPUSES Set on a hillside with views to the Dandenong Ranges, Wheelers Hill Campus was Caulfield Grammar School’s first co-educational campus since its opening in 1981. Girls and boys from Early Learning to Year 12 access the extensive programs, opportunities and facilities the 50-acre campus has to offer.

Co-ed

Boarding

ELC-12

3390

Immersive learning experiences exist within our sport, music, language, Arts and STEM programs. Our unique Yarra Junction campus is where students are challenged in an inspiring natural learning environment. Here they develop practical skills, leadership skills, and life skills – considering the effect of their actions and lifestyle on the world around them. EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES Students can choose from an extensive range of programs supported by highly-credentialled specialists and outstanding facilities. Sport is a key element in the fabric of life at Caulfield Grammar School. And for students interested in The Arts, Caulfield Grammar School offers endless opportunities for creative expression and growth in Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Dance. WELLBEING AT OUR CORE Caulfield Grammar School’s pastoral care program is designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of students. It is a key element of our student-centred approach to education.

The beautiful, historic and National Trust-listed Valentines Mansion is the heart of our ELC to Year 6 Malvern Campus. Before progressing to Caulfield Campus for Years 7 - 12, students at Malvern Campus thrive in a warm and nurturing environment.

Our students developed their own set of behaviours for our School values, which are pursuing excellence, inspiring creativity, thriving together, embracing diversity and living wholeheartedly.

Close to Melbourne’s urban heart and co-educational since 1993, Caulfield Campus is a day school for students from Years 7 to 12, and offers boarding for students from Year 9. Having boarders, both girls and boys, on campus gives Caulfield Campus a unique community spirit. A CURRICULUM THAT PREPARES A MIND FOR LIFE Our purpose is to enable quality learning every day, in every experience, for every learner, for life. We are an authorised school to deliver The International Baccalaureate – (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), and a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Our educators take a personalised approach to learning, constantly seeking out examples of international best practice and innovation to anticipate and plan for emerging skills and careers. As lifelong learners themselves, our highly qualified and knowledgeable educators undertake weekly professional development with a focus on evidence-based, quality teaching and learning. WE OFFER VCE SUBJECTS FROM YEAR 10 In the ELC and junior years, learning experiences and spaces are designed to cultivate creativity, curiosity, connection and compassion. Our broad Years 7 and 8 core-curriculum ensures a strong foundation for success in senior years, including Learning Mentors monitoring academic and pastoral progress. Community Projects engage Year 9 students in holistic, realworld learning experiences. VCE subjects are offered from Year 10, with an emphasis on helping learners focus on preparation for entry to the tertiary course or career of their choice.

About Caulfield Grammar School

CULTURAL IMMERSION AND EDUCATION OUTDOORS Students ‘learn by doing’ through authentic real-world connection and collaboration – immersing in diverse cultures to develop the skills to navigate our rapidly changing world, whether internationally or domestically.

A: Caulfield Campus: 217 Glen Eira Road, St Kilda East VIC 3183

A: Wheelers Hil Campus: 74-82 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill VIC 3150 T: +61 3 8562 5222 E: admissionswh@caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au A: Malvern Campus: 5 Willoby Avenue, Glen Iris VIC 3146 T: +61 3 9524 6333 E: admissions@caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au

T: +61 3 9524 6333 E: admissions@caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au W: www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

An Independent School for Boys Prep to Year 12, Boarding Years 7-12

Scotch is home to 160 boarders who enjoy high quality accommodation in a caring and supportive environment. It provides the boys access and the opportunity to participate in an unequalled range of activities. For school tours, please visit the admissions page on: www.scotch.vic.edu.au

Scotch College 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Australia Phone 1800 622 912 Email admissions@scotch.vic.edu.au

738SCO

Founded in 1851, Scotch College has been educating boys for over 160 years. Located in the heart of suburban Melbourne, our single campus spans 27 hectares and is flanked by the Yarra River. Scotch is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and Christian teachings underpin all that we do.

738SCO

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN THE DOMINICAN TRADITION, YEARS 7 TO 12

ARE YOU MISSING SOMETHING? Cooper is..... don’t be like Cooper.

COG

Creative thinking for better market engagement. COG Advertising. Contact us today 03 9690 7022.

Melbourne East

Carey Baptist Grammar School 1923

Co-ed

Boarding

ELC-12

2678

1912

Boys

Boarding

5-12

1050

In our complex and ever-changing world, it’s clear that today’s young people will be faced with a unique set of challenges in the future. To meet these challenges, fulfil their ambitions and contribute to the wider world, students need to be equipped with capabilities that will enable them to thrive in any environment. At Carey, we believe in adopting a broad expression of success and allowing students to leverage their strengths and follow their passions. Carey offers Early Learning to Year 12 with campuses in Kew and Donvale. We believe that co-education is a vital part of helping our students develop who they are and we are proud to maintain an even gender balance. The wellbeing of every student is at the heart of everything we do at Carey and our award-winning wellbeing program underpins all our activities. Recruiting and developing highly professional teaching and support staff is one of our greatest priorities. Carey is innovative, progressive and leads the way in best practice teaching and learning, supporting strong academic results and personal development for each student. Carey students are curious, aspirational and engaged global citizens. We build on their individual qualities to develop young women and men who flourish and can lead and serve with courage, compassion and intelligence. A: Donvale Campus: 9 Era Court, Donvale VIC 3111 T: +61 3 8877 8500 E: donvale@carey.com.au A: Kew Campus: 349 Barkers Road, Kew VIC 3101 T: +61 3 9816 1222 E: reception@carey.com.au W: www.carey.com.au

De La Salle College educates over 1,000 students across three campuses – Tiverton, Holy Eucharist and Kinnoull. Each campus is designed for every

Be your Best!

stage of your son’s development. We have an open enrolment policy and provide a contemporary learning community that encourages and supports personal excellence.

Primary: Years 5 - 6 Secondary: Years 7 - 12

Founded in 1912, De La Salle College provides a Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition for students in Years 5 – 12. A non-zoned Catholic boys’ school; De La Salle College welcomes students throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area. Our holistic learning environment and specialised programs ensure De La Salle students are challenged and supported. We provide a variety of pathways including VCE, VET and VCAL and our students learn in a community of faith and growth, founded on a culture of social justice. Our extensive range of co-curricular opportunities, comprehensive sports program, rich music and drama opportunities and wellbeing support through the GROW (Growing Responsibility for my Own Wellbeing) program, complements classroom learning and provides a broadening of perspective for our students. We offer a variety of sports choices for students at a school level as well as ACC teams, state level competitions and High Performance Sports Teams with industry professionals coaching our students. Discover De La Salle College through a College Tour or visit www.delasalle.vic.edu.au to find out why the College is the right choice for

1318 High Street Malvern VIC 3144

Ph. (03) 9508 2100 www.delasalle.vic.edu.au

your son. Be Your Best at De La Salle Malvern.

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Victorian Boarding Schools

Featured Schools Caulfield Grammar School Scotch College

Legend Information

levels

19XX

Year School Founded

Co-Education

Boys Only

Girls Only

Boarding

No Boarding

Year Levels

XXX

Student Numbers

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Victorian School Profiles

Scotch College 1851

Boys

Boarding

Prep-12

1880

Boarding at Scotch College Laying the foundations for their future Boarders at Scotch enjoy high quality accommodation in a caring ‘home away from home’ environment, with emphasis on sound study skills. Within the College’s extensive 27 hectare grounds, students participate in an unequalled range of activities, including music, drama, outdoor programs and sports.

www.scotch.vic.edu.au Scotch College 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone 03 9810 4203 / Fax: 03 9810 4333 Email admissions@scotch.vic.edu.au

educationmattersmag.com.au Education Matters Magazine and educationmattersmag.com.au are informative, valuable resources for decision makers of both primary and secondary schools Australia-wide. We provide a content-rich, comprehensive buyer’s guide of the most reliable, trustworthy school suppliers in the market. This is coupled with the latest in news and expert views about the topics and issues currently impacting the education sector.

For further information, contact: Kylie Nothrop Mobile: 0422 046 299 Email: kylie.nothrop@primecreative.com.au

784SCO

For school tours, please visit the admissions page on:

Boarding Schools

1881

OUR INCLUSIVE HOME AWAY FROM HOME Since its foundation in 1881, Caulfield Grammar School is a boarding school dedicated to providing rural and international students with access to our innovative learning programs. Caulfield Campus offers a boarding experience for Years 9 to 12 girls and boys, allowing siblings to board at the same school. Conveniently located close to Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), we provide an exceptional education and nurturing family environment in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Co-ed

12 students are accommodated in single-bed rooms. Girls and boys share recreational and dining facilities but are accommodated in separate boarding houses. OUTSTANDING FACILITIES Boarders have access to the School’s extensive and outstanding facilities, including the library, tennis courts, swimming pool, gymnasium, basketball courts and games room. Located just eight kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre and well serviced by public transport, students enjoy convenient access to Melbourne’s many and varied attractions.

MODERN BOARDING ACCOMMODATION Morcom House has a country heart, nestled in a school that is highly regarded for offering a thriving learning environment. We support students to develop a ‘Mind for life’ and feel empowered, deeply engaged and encouraged to follow whatever path they choose. Our boarding house provides modern accommodation and facilities for students. Rooms are designed to complement the demands of the learning program with a variety of configurations from single-bed to three-bed options. All Year

ACADEMIC AND CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS Boarding students gain access to one of Australia’s most innovative schools, with an emphasis on specialist teachers and coaches, and a broad range of learning experiences that prepare learners to anticipate their future directions with confidence, courage and capability. Caulfield Grammar School places great importance on students achieving their academic potential and in fostering a strong sense of personal responsibility.

A boarding experience where they’ll develop a mind for life. At Caulfield Grammar School, we nurture learners to become capable, curious and emotionally aware so they can create whatever path in life they choose.

WHEELERS HILL ELC to Year 12

MALVERN ELC to Year 6

Boarding

ELC-12

3390

Students can choose from an extensive list of learning programs taught by specialist teachers, along with co-curricular activities such as Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Dance, Sport, Community Service and various leadership programs. Teachers offer after-hours tutoring for students in the boarding house. Boarding supervisors, the majority of whom are members of the teaching staff, provide excellent support with study, supervision and role modelling for boarders. OUR WELCOMING COMMUNITY Strong family engagement and involvement, including family and boarder orientation programs, is nurtured by our passionate and dedicated Boarding team. Our community spirit is something we are very proud of.

A: Caulfield Campus: 217 Glen Eira Road, St Kilda East VIC 3183 T: +61 3 9524 6333 E: admissions@caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au W: www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au

CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING FROM YEAR 9 CAULFIELD CAMPUS caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au +61 3 9524 6333

To view our Boarding and Campus Facilities Tours, simply scan the QR code or call our Boarding Team for a personal conversation.

CAULFIELD Years 7 to 12

BOARDING Years 9 to 12

www.schoolcompare.com.au

VIC 2022

Melbourne North Schools 1.

Ave Maria College

Legend Information

19XX

Year School Founded

Co-Education

Boys Only

levels

Boarding

No Boarding

Year Levels

Girls Only

XXX

Student Numbers

She Who Belongs. She Who Thrives.

Discover more: phone (03) 9331 9300 email avemaria@avemaria.vic.edu.au website www.avemaria.vic.edu.au 14–22 Vida Street Aberfeldie VIC 3040 ABN 41 797 200 262

@avemariacollege @avemariacollege @avemariacollegeaberfeldie

Victorian Directory Listing

Non-Government Schools