SANTA MARIA COLLEGE

Santa Maria College is a vibrant Catholic community offering a holistic education for girls. The college is proud of its Good Samaritan heritage with values steeped in a rich Benedictine tradition of compassion, justice and contemplation. Santa Maria College is passionate about a love of learning, providing a rigorous academic framework. The college is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (Years 7 to 10) and implemented the fourth year of the program in 2013. With a girls-focused philosophy, students can develop their talents and navigate a future where they serve the community as confident and self-assured young women. The college believes in active and engaging educational partnerships and encourages learning opportunities outside the classroom in many facets of the community, particularly in the world of science.

Facilities: Students have access to modern facilities which support and encourage excellence in learning. An inner-city school, the college has spacious grounds that feature a sports oval and a multi-purpose sports hall. Students have access to information technology laboratories, iPads, laptops and computer hubs throughout the school. There is also a well-resourced library, science laboratories, and music, drama, dance, art, multimedia and graphics facilities. To endorse and anchor its educational philosophy, the college has begun a major building initiative for 2013 to 2014. The building works will see the addition of a Creative Arts Complex, surrounded by six classrooms which tangibly reflect the notion of contemporary learning. Regular school tours are held by appointment, to showcase the special facilities.Curriculum: The school curriculum emphasises inquiry-based learning. Santa Maria College staff educate in a dynamic way which embraces critical thinking, leadership skills and teamwork. The college has introduced the International Baccalaureate Middle Years program from Years 7 to 10. VCE subjects are from a broad range of disciplines including Maths, Science, English, Humanities, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education and Religious Education. VET and VCAL are available as educational pathways.

Extra-curricular activities: Santa Maria College offers diverse extra-curricular activities that support personal interests and cultivate student voice through leadership. These include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Student Representative Council, debating, public speaking, sport, music, dance, school production, social justice activities, interstate and overseas cultural immersions, Young Carers’ Group, science competitions, environmental activities and partnerships with the broader community.

Student wellbeing programs: Staff recognise the dignity of each student and protect individual rights to foster a just, welcoming and harmonious community. This is done through restorative practice, as part of the college’s Living in Community Framework. The college is proud of its rich and diverse multicultural heritage. There is a dedicated learning support team, speech therapist as well as psychologists on staff.