St Mary's Anglican Girls' School Prospectus by St Mary's Anglican Girls' School

prospectus

welcome to St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is renowned for its high level of academic achievement and vibrant co-curricular programme, which give girls an opportunity to learn new skills, take on leadership roles and develop self-confidence.

prospectus 1

t Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School has a proud tradition of providing a challenging, diverse and enjoyable education, which incorporates the pursuit of excellence and a love of learning in a Christian environment. Seeking always to serve the common good, your daughter will be encouraged to see herself as a future leader within the spheres of both career and community. Our highly qualified and caring staff show a genuine interest in each student’s development, encouraging her to strive for personal excellence. The school environment is friendly, supportive, well-ordered and disciplined, with an emphasis on traditional values. The school motto, fideliter, meaning faithfully, urges students to be true to themselves and to others. St Mary’s was founded in West Perth in 1921. Some forty years later, we moved to a forty acre site in Karrinyup where the modern era of the school commenced. Well-appointed, air-conditioned buildings and modern facilities set in secure, landscaped grounds ensure that this beautiful, spacious environment enhances our academic and co-curricular programmes. The school is a leisurely five-minute walk from the beach, with school bus services to the northern and western suburbs. For more than 90 years, St Mary’s has played a vital role in the education of girls and young women, with enduring friendships forged and ongoing links with the school maintained. We look forward to educating your daughter – to sharing her formative years, seeing her grow, discovering her strengths and preparing her for the future. We are a proud, happy and optimistic school. We invite you to join us.

Mrs Lynne Thomson Principal

2 prospectus

CARING FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

Maintaining a positive self-image is paramount, as a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotional well-being has a direct influence on personal happiness, academic achievement and contribution to school and family life.

prospectus 3

astoral care lies at the heart of all we do at St Mary’s. Our philosophy is that each girl is known and nurtured as an individual. The school’s pastoral care team strives to ensure your daughter feels secure and a valued member of our community. Christian principles of trust, co-operation and concern for others are engendered amongst our girls and are central to chapel services and the Religious Studies Programme. In the Junior School, mutual respect characterises the relationship between class teacher and child. The understanding nature and warmth of staff enable concerns or issues to be discussed in a caring and supportive environment. Our Dean of Students is responsible for overseeing pastoral care in the Senior School which includes maintaining close contact with home, helping new students settle in and monitoring students’ welfare by liaising with teachers and counsellors. In the Junior School and Year 7, our girls form a strong bond with their class teacher. From Year 8 they join a small pastoral group consisting of students from Years 8 to 12, known as Link, in the care of a Link teacher. This enables them to connect with students in different year groups and remain in the same group, in the care of the same teacher, throughout their time at St Mary’s. The school believes in discipline which is firm yet just, administered with understanding and concern for both the individual and the welfare of the school community. Above all, the school holds that the best form of discipline is self-discipline. Courtesy and good manners are expected at all times.

4 prospectus

JUNIOR SCHOOL

The Junior School aims to develop resilient, flexible learners in their first step along the path to formal education and the beginning of a lifelong association with St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

prospectus 5

he human spirit is societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest asset and we see it, at its best, in the Junior School. A constant buzz is in the air as students, from Kindergarten to Year 6, exhibit their enthusiasm for life. The Junior School is a structured, yet friendly environment led by caring and committed teachers, who work with students to develop sound educational foundations and a love of learning. Emphasis is placed on social development, particularly friendships and peer relationships, learning to work as part of a team and being co-operative and understanding. Junior School intake years are Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 6. Kindergarten and Pre-primary classes are co-educational. In these early years, young childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developmental learning needs are met within a structured, social, play-based programme. While the Junior School is innovative and constantly evolving, the educational philosophy of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s places strong emphasis on the basic skills of literacy and numeracy, with access to learning enrichment programmes to assist students in developing these skills to the best of their ability. Learning programmes also incorporate Science, Society and Environment, and Technology and Enterprise. Specialist teachers further enhance the programme in the areas of Art, Dance, Drama, Italian, Music, Physical and Health Education and Religious Studies. Junior School classrooms are modern, colourful and spacious, designed for formal and activity-based learning, equipped with the latest technology and peripheral equipment. Information technology is used extensively from Kindergarten to Year 6 across all learning areas. A vibrant extra-curricular programme operates before and after school, including instrumental music, choir, debating, public speaking and surfing electives, as well as chess, art, science and various sporting clubs. In between are numerous activities including camps, community fundraising days, performances and sporting competitions. Parents are welcome to attend weekly chapel services and assemblies. These are opportunities, which bring the school community together and celebrate all that is good about life.

6 prospectus

SENIOR SCHOOL

Our broad and rigorous curriculum recognises the wide spectrum of abilities, interests and ambitions of each student. Your daughter will receive a wealth of support from teachers who are dedicated to helping her discover and reach her potential.

prospectus 7

he next exciting step in your daughter’s education is in Senior School, where she will begin to make decisions and choices that will affect her life beyond school. It is here that intellectual and personal growth and academic achievement are of primary importance, and the St Mary’s vision includes a commitment to providing an innovative curriculum that equips girls for life and careers in the 21st century. In Year 7 students are eased into life in the Senior School with a balance between the challenges of following a Senior School timetable and the support of their core teacher within their main classroom. In Years 8 to 10, girls study a core curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science and Society and Environment subjects. Year 8s follow a compulsory programme which, as they grow older, gradually allows more flexibility with each year, until they reach Years 11 and 12, where they become fully responsible for their individual learning. Extension programmes challenge academically gifted students, many of whom experience outstanding success in statewide and national competitions. The school offers a wide variety of elective subjects, from Marine Science to Digital Design, Cakes and Patisserie to Dance, and Creative Writing to Fashion, which allows our students to find their individual niche. These diverse and tailored programmes allow St Mary’s to support students in their chosen field, focusing on academic achievement for those pursuing a university degree, and vocational programmes such as CareerLink for those hoping to enter employment, TAFE or other avenues following their life at the school. Outside the curriculum the girls also have the opportunity to participate in an array of leadership and character-building activities. When joining the school, each student is placed in one of six houses that all compete throughout the year in various competitions and activities. There are also numerous clubs and societies available such as debating, sporting groups, HOPE (Help Our Planet Earth) and Vision Generation.

8 prospectus

THE ARTS

The soul of our school is within the realm of the arts, and whatever her artistic preference, your daughter will find an outlet within St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant creative and performing arts scene.

prospectus 9

he school’s commitment to the arts is reflected in the choice of over 30 courses in Art, Drama, Music, Dance and Media, as well as numerous opportunities to be involved through the extra-curricular programme. Each girl is encouraged to open her mind to a world of creative thinking, self-expression, visual communication and imagination. She can write and direct her own play, choreograph a jazz routine or hone her photographic skills. Whether she is an aspiring sculptor, flautist, documentary filmmaker or ballerina, she can follow her dream at an academic level appropriate to university entrance, or enjoy just being involved. Over a quarter of the school population, from Kindergarten to tertiary level students, are part of St Mary’s highly regarded Music programme. From the beautifully appointed Lady Treatt Centre for Music and Dance to our specialist teachers, music is thriving at the school. St Mary’s and Hale musicians share a strong extra-curricular programme, performing locally, interstate and internationally. The magnificent Lady Wardle Performing Arts Centre is a professionally operated facility, which showcases the girls’ talents in the arts. Highlights include the Interhouse Drama and Dance competitions, the annual Years 7 to 9 and Senior School drama productions, Music Nights and the Creative and Performing Arts Festival, known as CAPAF, which features the highly anticipated Wearable Art parade. The completion of the Music and Dance Centre in 2004 enhanced an already rich Music programme and stimulated the dramatic growth of Dance at St Mary’s. Dance is introduced in the Junior School and continues through to Senior School, where it is offered as a classroom subject from Years 9 to 12, as well as at an extra-curricular level from Years 7 to 12. The Art programme, commencing with specialist teachers in Year 4, allows students to explore and express their creativity through a wide range of media. The Senior School art department’s facilities include a digital technology room and a gallery space for small exhibitions. Offered from Years 8 to 12, Media Studies has become a popular option for students, providing skills in advertising, photography, video production, graphic design and desktop publishing. St Mary’s students have experienced success in Media Studies at both a state and national levels.

10 prospectus

THE PHYSICAL side

An involvement in sport not only encourages physical and mental fitness but it promotes working together as a team and achieving oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal best.

prospectus 11

t St Mary’s, the physical life is everything your daughter would expect… and more. Physical Education plays an integral part in the health and well-being of all our students. For your daughter, it may be the thrill of the chase in the last 100 metres of the cross country, a penalty shootout in the dying seconds of a hockey game or mastering a difficult self-defence move. Athletics, swimming, diving, gymnastics, cross country, tennis, squash and badminton are all on offer, while traditional team sports include basketball, hockey, netball, soccer, softball and volleyball. At St Mary’s, an early morning surf at nearby Trigg Beach isn’t out of the question, nor is sailing on the Swan River, a game of Australian Rules Football or water polo. Interschool selection is based on merit while interhouse competition provides every girl with an opportunity to participate. The school’s excellent sporting facilities include a heated 50-metre swimming pool, diving pool and junior pool, two multi-purpose gymnasiums, tennis and netball courts and extensive playing fields, all of which are located within the school grounds. Our school is proud to field teams in a large number of sports each term in the IGSSA competition against other girls’ schools. An after-school fitness programme provides a variety of other options for girls who wish to participate at a non-competitive level.

12 prospectus

Beyond the Classroom Our commitment to enriching girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education is embodied in the wealth of programmes and experiences offered to students outside the classroom so that, through being challenged by choice, they become resilient, adaptable and independent young women.

prospectus 13

ur outstanding Outdoor Education programme lets your daughter try her hand at countless activities, which can be challenging, fun and exhilarating all at once. The compulsory school programme, which incorporates annual camps in Years 5 to 9 and Year 11, is designed to help girls develop their initiative and independence, co-operation and teamwork, and an appreciation of the environment. Camp activities can include abseiling, bushcraft, snorkelling, canoeing, fishing, caving and surfing. St Mary’s at Metricup: The Lady Treatt Centre for Learning and Leadership is a 100 acre property, just north of Margaret River in the state’s south-west, which provides students with a state-of-the-art outdoor education facility. Through various camps and programmes, girls are actively involved in a rural experience as they help develop the property through land use, such as agriculture, aquaculture and viticulture, whilst learning about environmental sustainability and infrastructure. St Mary’s is the first girls’ school in Western Australia to establish such a facility. The scuba diving and snorkelling programme at St Mary’s is truly world class. Our students have the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in Australia and across the globe to countries such as Canada and the United States, to experience diving, and to participate in research programmes for the conservation of marine life. Other outdoor opportunities include surfing and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. There are many opportunities for girls to travel during their time at St Mary’s. Whether part of their language studies, service to the global community or through music groups, our students have the opportunity to travel to destinations including Italy, Germany, Japan, France, New Zealand, India, Vietnam, England and the Solomon Islands. We also run an exchange programme for our Year 10 students with sister schools from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and South Africa. Lastly, St Mary’s continues to run a compulsory community service programme, which sees each student complete twenty hours of service to the community during Years 10 and 11.

14 prospectus

HELPING HER ACHIEVE HER BEST St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recognises that not all students learn at the same level or in the same way and provides a number of opportunities to help each and every student reach her potential.

prospectus 15

ur goal at St Mary’s is to help each and every student achieve her very best. That is why St Mary’s caters to a variety of academic levels, with some streaming in a number of core subjects, providing opportunities for advanced students, as well as extra support for those who require it. The Gifted and Talented programme at St Mary’s aims to provide an intellectually stimulating learning environment, which challenges and inspires students and fosters their love of learning. Academically gifted students are specifically catered for with a range of rigorous extension programmes. Identifying students who would benefit from these programmes is a continuous process throughout the students’ time at school. In the Junior School a variety of extension programmes is provided in Mathematics, Science, Languages and the Arts. Senior School students can take part in extension classes in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. Girls are encouraged to participate in a broad range of extra-curricular activities to develop their talents further; in recent years these have included collaborative programmes with universities, specialised workshops, subject-specific camps, research projects and competitions. The Learning Support programme is available to students who may be experiencing difficulty in some aspect of their learning and require additional assistance. Students with learning difficulties are nurtured, supported and encouraged to develop their skills and their individual strengths. For some children, difficulties with learning may be transient and can be managed with additional teaching and support time. Other girls may be challenged throughout their school years. In all instances, we develop innovative, effective programmes to help each student to participate in the classroom as an active and engaged learner. Assisting students with learning difficulties is a whole school effort. Learning Support staff, classroom teachers and counsellors work closely with parents and their daughter to build her confidence, independence and competence.

16 prospectus

LIFE IN THE BOARDING HOUSE For boarding families, selecting the right education and a place where your daughter can feel at home go hand in hand. Our boarding facility, Anne Symington House, provides girls from Western Australia, interstate and overseas with their first experience of living away from home.

prospectus 17

boarding experience is such a wonderful gift to any young woman and provides great opportunities for companionship and friendship so adding a new dimension to school life. Anne Symington House can accommodate 166 girls, from Years 6 to 12, and from time to time, day students, who board on a short-term basis. All areas of boarding are under the supervision of the Head of Boarding, with the assistance of a deputy, senior staff supervisor, house mothers, nursing staff, and a wide variety of support staff. Supervision is thorough with the security of students and our legal duty of care of utmost importance. A programme for day girls wishing to stay after school, have dinner and take part in supervised ‘prep’ before going home at night, is also available. Boarders are accommodated in bright, modern rooms with reverse cycle air conditioning, individual study facilities and computer network access. Girls share a double room, with senior girls offered single accommodation. At the start of each year, new boarders and their parents can spend a night in the boarding house to experience communal life. Peer support leaders also act as mentors for new students. Supervised homework periods take place each week night with tutors who are available to assist with core subjects. A mathematics club also exists to provide additional support and students have after-hours access to the library, IT centre, music rooms and sporting facilities. Our boarders enjoy the school’s spacious grounds and easy access to nearby Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Trigg Beach and central Perth. Organised weekend leisure-time activities include visits to the cinema, socials and various sporting pursuits. There is a nurturing community environment within our vibrant boarding house. It is a place that offers companionship and support, and where our girls make lifelong friends.

18 prospectus

THE ST MARY’S COMMUNITY We hope your daughter’s entry into St Mary’s will mark a long and mutually rewarding association with the school. The St Mary’s community embraces all its members from its current families and staff to its past students and parents, former staff members and associated friends.

prospectus 19

ne of the differentiating factors of our school is the strong sense of community and the long-term relationships that are fostered between girls. These bonds often extend past graduation and throughout their lives. Indeed, we pride ourselves on the strong connections we maintain with our Old Girls. The Old Girls’ Association was established in 1925 and since 1996 has provided all graduates with a life membership, courtesy of the St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School Foundation. Today, there are over 6500 Life Members, who span many decades. The spirit of giving, whether through physical, moral or monetary support, continues to ensure that St Mary’s provides a first-class learning environment. The school’s Foundation was established in 1987 with the aim of raising income, by way of contributions, to ensure that this independence was protected and financial security guaranteed. The generosity of parents, Old Girls and community members has enabled the school to continually develop, maintain and enhance its facilities. St Mary’s prides itself on the partnership between parents and the school. The Parents’ Society distributes the voluntary parent levy funding to worthwhile school projects and organises various events throughout the year. The Ladies’ Auxiliary is a fund-raising and friendship-raising group that welcomes and supports new families and provides a valuable forum for discussions. Grandes Belles is a social group, which gives mothers an opportunity to maintain contact with the school once their daughters have left. The St Mary’s community is very supportive of the school and proud to be associated with the outstanding reputation it has developed and maintained over the decades.

20 prospectus

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES The Board of Governors offers academic, boarding and music scholarships to students in Years 7, 8 and 10. The Marlene Carter Old Girls’ Association Scholarship (for Year 8 only) and the Ethel Beaton Old Girls’ Association Scholarship (for Years 11 and 12) are awarded to the daughter or granddaughter of an Old Girl who is a current, financial life member of the Old Girls’ Association. The Frances Eileen Craig MBE Academic Scholarships are awarded on Speech Night to the highest achieving students in Year 11. Scholarships are awarded for a portion of the annual tuition fee and continuation is dependent upon ongoing excellence.

enrolment If you would like to know more about St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, please contact the Enrolments Registrar who would be pleased to answer your questions. The best way to assess the advantages of a St Mary’s education is to visit the school and see it in action. An individual tour can be arranged or you may prefer to attend one of our Open Mornings, which are advertised in local newspapers. To register your daughter, a non-refundable fee is payable and students are placed on a progressive waiting list. As demand for places is keen, parents are advised to register their interest well in advance of the expected entry year. We look forward to meeting you and your daughter and welcome your enquiries. They may be directed to: The Enrolments Registrar St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School PO Box 105 Karrinyup WA 6921 Telephone: (08) 9341 9111 Fax: (08) 9341 9222 Email: stmarys@stmarys.wa.edu.au More information is also available on our website which can be found at www.stmarys.wa.edu.au.

prospectus 21

St Mary’s traditions

he traditions of the school bind its community where the values of the past point the way forward to a new set of opportunities, which belong to the future. These traditions include: • recognising the importance of the Anglican church in our lives; • Christian ethos and values; • pursuit of personal and academic excellence; • a holistic education; • healthy respect for oneself and others; • a dedicated, professional and loyal staff; • a boarding community which enhances the school’s diversity; • parental support and contribution; • the active involvement of the Old Girls linking the past, present and future of the school; • a strong sense of community; • concern and support for the welfare of those in need; • excellent facilities and wide open spaces.