WHITEFRIARS COLLEGE

Whitefriars is conducted by the Carmelite Order. The college motto, ‘Almae in Fide Parentis’ (‘In the Care of a Loving Mother’), conveys something of the Order’s spirit and the way in which it endeavours to reach out to the students in its care. As a Catholic college, Whitefriars seeks to enable students to understand the principles and values of the Catholic faith and to experience these in a caring community to which they feel they belong.

Facilities: Sporting facilities include two modern gymnasiums, a weights and fitness centre (which includes commercial-grade equipment), ovals, basketball courts and turf wicket. Other facilities include a modern library, a visual and performing arts building that includes a 240-seat theatre, drama studio, recording studio, keyboard laboratory, media studio with edit suite, computer centre, Internet access for students and modern science laboratories.

Curriculum: A core curriculum in Years 7 and 8 is complemented in Years 9 and 10 by elective subjects, which serve as an introduction to VCE courses. Every student is equipped with his own tablet computer to facilitate learning. As students move through the college, a broad range of subjects is offered. The range of VCE subjects is extensive and the college offers VET courses and VCAL programs.

Sport: The college runs sport for all students within the timetable structure and is a member of the Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) across a wide range of sports. Students participate in ACC weekly competition in swimming, golf, athletics and cross-country carnivals.

Extra-curricular activities: Leadership activities and outdoor learning program, chess club, science club, debating, drama, orchestra, bands and musicals, and more.

Student welfare programs: An extensive pastoral care program operates, including peer support and personal development programs, a house system and an active Student Representative Council, all within a house-based vertical pastoral care structure. A chaplain and counsellor are also available.

International student program: The college is registered to accept students who wish to complete their secondary education in Australia.

Principal: Mr Mark Murphy.