St Scholastica’s College

Welcome to St Scholastica’s College, an independent school for girls in Years 7-12. Our day and boarding school - affectionately known as ‘Schols’ - has been educating young women for 140 years, instilling values which have their foundations in both the Catholic faith and the inspiration of the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel (Luke 10: 25-37).

We proudly describe our College as a ‘school like no other’. We do so because we believe our educational offering - through innovation and evidence-based continual development - nurtures young women to become citizens who will make a difference to the world.  Some elements of a Schols education are subtle; others are strongly grounded in academic achievement and personal growth, aiming to develop young women who are resilient, just, compassionate, balanced, wise and who are well equipped for an ever-changing and challenging world.

It is a great privilege to be able to contribute to the development of a young girl’s growth into a great young woman and in my role, We have the joy of seeing girls achieve amazing things each day. Spirituality is at the heart of our College and is informed by the Benedictine tradition that sustains and nourishes the human spirit.

Benedictine values, the story of the Good Samaritan and the life of Christ are the foundation stones of College life.  They are not abstract notions and students are encouraged, through their faith, to search for meaning and to acquire a sound, moral basis for living their lives.

Our motto is PAX – or Peace, a universal longing, which we promote by developing young women who, through the way they live their lives, help create peaceful, generous and tolerant communities.

St Scholastica's College, a College of Good Samaritan Education (GSE), is entrusted to share in the mission of the Church through the ministry of Catholic education.  The charism of GSE requires it to sustain and nurture communities of learning that uphold the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ and that draw on the essential values of the Rule of Benedict: love of neighbour, stewardship, community, discipline, hospitality, justice and peace.

St Scholastica's College holds the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of its apostolic work.  Every person who shares in the work of GSE – the GSE Governing Council, religious, employees, GSE school staff, contractors, parents and volunteers is responsible for promoting the inherent dignity of children and young people and for upholding their fundamental right to be respected and nurtured in a safe school environment.

St Scholastica's College commits to providing a safe and nurturing culture and learning environment for all children and young people.  At all times, the ongoing safety and wellbeing of children and young people in their care will be the primary focus of care and decision-making, with particular attention paid to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, children and young people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children and young people with a disability.

St Scholastica's College also commits to:

• Taking into consideration the views of children and young people about decisions that affect their lives;
• Empowering children and young people by taking their views seriously, and addressing any concerns they may have;
• Acknowledging the cultural diversity of families and being sensitive to how this may impact on the wellbeing and safety of children and young people;
• Taking proactive steps to prevent child abuse, and identifying risks early so that such risks may be removed or reduced;
• Staying abreast of and meeting legislative requirements to protect the safety and wellbeing of children and young people;
• Continuously reviewing and improving systems and practices to protect children and young people from abuse;
• Taking prompt action when allegations of abuse are raised and ensuring they are appropriately referred and investigated;
• Providing children and young people with the knowledge and skills to understand and maintain their own personal safety;
• Applying robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers.

Creating and nurturing child-safe school environments is a dynamic process that involves active participation and responsibility by GSE.  It is marked by collaboration, vigilance and proactive approaches across policies, procedures, curriculum and operational practices.

To this end, GSE commits to:

• Providing regular training and education to all GSE employees on child abuse risks;
• Implementing specific policies, procedures, training and a national Code of Conduct to support the achievement of child safety;
• Ensuring that every person involved in GSE understands the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people in their care.
• St Scholastica's College is an Independent Catholic day and boarding secondary school for girls. Founded by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in the Benedictine tradition, the College proudly continues the Sisters' legacy to girls’ education.
• The College is a diverse, Christ-centred, inclusive community which respects the dignity and individuality of each member.
• We respond to our motto, PAX (Peace) through the relationships we foster, the physical environment of our College grounds and our active commitment to social justice.
• We promote a school culture which focuses on the academic and personal growth of each student. We celebrate diversity and provide an environment that enables all to find a place.
• To equip young women to play their part in a world beyond school.
• To ensure that students reach their full potential and are confident to live successful lives of peace, compassion, justice and tolerance.
• To educate young women who, with justice and compassion, will make a difference in the world.
• To ensure that St Scholastica’s College remains an educational institution of first choice for girls and young women.
• Our values are based on the life of Christ,
• The enduring values of St Benedict,
• The humanity reflected in the parable of the Good Samaritan,
• Respect for the spirituality of the first Australians.