Caroline Chisholm Catholic College originated from three schools: Christ the King College, St John’s College and Chisholm College. They were established to bring a Catholic education to the Western suburbs of Melbourne. In 1963, Christ the King College registered as a secondary school for girls (Years 7 to 10) under the leadership of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart. In 1965, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart arrived from Quebec, Canada and established St John’s College for boys (Years 7 to 10). It was then, in 1979, that the two schools began working cooperatively. In 1997, the three schools amalgamated to form Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, a community that encourages students to be the best they are called to be in a faith-filled and inclusive environment.
FACILITIES: The College has many modern facilities that enhance the learning experience including: two performing and visual art centres, a design, technology and trade training centre, a 6-lane indoor swimming pool, a wholly-owned campsite near Geelong, a brand new synthetic multipurpose sports oval, fully-stocked media suite, state-of-the-art science labs, a dedicated senior study area with a purpose-built kitchenette, and a pathways and careers centre for students to access throughout the year. In addition, the College has a 120 seat university-style lecture theatre, an 820-seat auditorium, a chapel, and dedicated language centre, as well as two library and information service centres. The list is endless!
CURRICULUM: The College is proud to provide students with an innovative learning and teaching program, supported by an IT infrastructure and the latest notebook computers across all year levels. The College offers many different pathways including VCE, VCAL and VET.
We recognise that every student’s dreams, interests and aspirations are different. For this reason, we offer senior students a wide range of opportunities to identify and develop their particular goals, gifts and talents – and prepare for life after graduation.
The College has partnerships with leading universities including Melbourne University, Victoria University and Australian Catholic University. Students wanting to complete an Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) that includes universities courses are able to do at Year 11 and 12.
Students are provided with a variety of learning opportunities including mainstream core classes, elective classes, programs for accelerated learning and classes that provide targeted support for students with learning needs. Aspire is Caroline Chisholm Catholic College’s accelerated educational enrichment program for students in Years 7 – 9. Aspire enables dedicated and high achieving students to be challenged, providing a pathway that meets their specific needs.
The program is designed for students who share a passion for and commitment to learning, have exceptional abilities across multiple disciplines and are highly motivated to reach their full potential. Our students are signposted through our Aspire program.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Extra-curricular programs at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College are designed to expose students to a variety of experiences and work to complement their core classes. This includes studies in drama, religious education, debating, robotics, chess competitions, music, art and sport.
Our Outdoor Education program promotes students’ personal development while encouraging teamwork and positive attitudes towards the environment.
All students in Years 7–10 safely build on their skills year-by-year under the supervision of our qualified and experienced outdoor education staff.
Activities are non-competitive and include camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, cooking, rock climbing, surfing and cross-country skiing.
STUDENT WELFARE PROGRAMS: The wellbeing of our students is central to their experience at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College. All our programs are well resourced and represent a high priority to promote the personal, psychological and emotional growth of our young people.
The Wellbeing team includes three full-time counsellors, bilingual support, refugee and outreach coordinators, parent liaison and primary school links officer, and partnerships with local and state organisations to support the wellbeing of our students across all years.
The Learner Mentor is the first point of influence and contact in the wellbeing of our students and fosters personal responsibility for learning, and provides each student with the necessary balance of support and challenge to allow for personal growth as a learner.
The Learner Mentor Program acts as the foundation for facilitating relationships between students, staff and parents / carers. Learner Mentors serve as coaches, mentors, guides and role models. They facilitate an open relationship with the aim of assisting the student holistically and academically.
The College House System develop students’ sense of belonging to the College and also in fostering college and community spirit during special days such as Athletics Day, Awards Assemblies and Talent Quests and other College and House celebrations.
The House System aims to provide continuity in pastoral care over Years 7 – 9 and Years 10 – 12, allowing the Learner Mentor the opportunity to establish ongoing support and understanding of students, a means of monitoring their personal development (intellectual, emotional, psychological) and to maintain strong pastoral links with families.
Our four Houses – Ambrose, Clare, Galgani and Lorenzo are named after saints who are remembered for their work with the poor and positive impact on society.