1. Overview
Good Shepherd Catholic College Mount Isa is a Catholic, co-educational secondary college serving families in Mount Isa and the surrounding region. The college focuses on faith-informed learning, pastoral care, and academic development within a supportive regional community, helping students prepare for life beyond school.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based
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2. Academics & Learning
Good Shepherd Catholic College Mount Isa supports a well-rounded secondary education with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and character development.
- Academic strengths: English and STEM emphasis, leadership development, and religious education as integral parts of the curriculum.
- Special programs: Leadership development pathways; options for accelerated learning or gifted/talented programs may be available at times; consult the school for current offerings.
- NAPLAN / trends: Regional Catholic schooling typically shows steady literacy and numeracy progress over cohorts, with ongoing focus on differentiated support to sustain positive trends.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12–1:18, promoting accessible teacher support.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support, learning support staff, and inclusive education approaches to assist a range of learner needs.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A strong focus on balanced development with a broad range of activities for students aged 10–14 and beyond.
- Sports offered: Rugby league, AFL, soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, and other regional sports.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive participation in regional/state competitions through school teams and inter-school events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School ensembles, choir, and performing arts activities; opportunities to perform in productions/workshops.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other skill-building clubs.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local community clubs, regional competitions, and appropriate external programs to extend opportunities in sport and the arts.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is a central priority, with structures in place to support students’ emotional and social development.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policy framework, restorative practices, and a focus on safe, respectful school culture.
- House system: House groups foster belonging, teamwork, and leadership opportunities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and well-being staff to support student welfare.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in.
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5. Facilities
The school’s facilities are designed to support a range of learning and extracurricular activities.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
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6. School Values & Community Culture
The school emphasizes a values-driven, faith-informed community with clear expectations and a welcoming culture.
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos centered on respect, service, integrity, and care for others.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and participation in community initiatives.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct focused on respect, responsibility, and positive relationships.
- Community reputation: Strong local presence as a supportive Catholic learning community.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Follows Queensland school timetable with morning to afternoon sessions.
- Before/after school care: Available or arranged through school partnerships; check current offerings.
- Uniform requirements: Uniforms are required; details provided by the school.
- Transport (bus routes): Local bus routes and school transport options commonly available for regional families.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or healthy snack options typically available on-site.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Catholic school fees are generally in the mid-range for regional schools; specific amounts and possible subsidies are provided by the school.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application with required documents; attend any information sessions or open days; application timelines typically align with the school year calendar. Offers are made subject to space and eligibility, with onboarding steps following the offer.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can apply if year levels are full. Priorities may include siblings, enrolment in the local parish, and available space. Families are advised to inquire early about current wait times.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Some entry steps may include an interview or discussion with the principal or enrolments team. Religious education involvement or parish references may be requested, depending on current policy and program offerings.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if there is space and appropriate documentation, with the school coordinating enrolment timelines to fit the academic calendar.
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Strong Catholic ethos, a caring and inclusive culture, solid academic foundations, and a focus on wellbeing and community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value faith-informed education, belonging to a supportive community, and a balanced focus on academics, sport, and the arts.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Academic extension and leadership programs, regional sports teams, music and drama opportunities, and various clubs (robotics, coding, debating).
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portals or communications apps, email updates, and scheduled parent meetings.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred learning within a faith-informed framework, with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and well-being.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support staff, targeted interventions, and access to SEN and EAL support.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Academic mentoring, tutoring options, and personalized plans to assist students facing challenges.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portals, email, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 20–25 students, with teacher accessibility for support and guidance.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (rugby league, AFL, soccer, basketball, netball, etc.), music/arts programs, and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating).
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology in learning with digital resources and appropriate safeguards; emphasis on preparing students for a tech-enabled world.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and bus routes exist to support regional families; accessibility considerations are addressed in planning.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-range for regional Catholic schools; additional costs may apply for activities, excursions, and uniforms, with possible financial assistance programs.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong Catholic identity and values-based education
- Supportive, inclusive learning environment
- Moderate class sizes and accessible teacher support
- Range of extracurriculars across sports, arts, and clubs
- Focus on wellbeing and pastoral care
Cons
- Regional location may mean fewer course varieties than larger cities
- Fees are applicable (as with most non-government schools) and may require budgeting
- Some specialised programs or subjects may depend on year level and space
- Transport logistics can vary for families outside the central area
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