## 1. Overview
MacKillop Catholic College Mount Peter is a Catholic educational community offering a faith‑based, comprehensive education. The college prioritises values-based learning within a supportive environment and aims to develop students academically, spiritually and socially.
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium to large
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically focused with a faith‑based ethos
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## 2. Academics & Learning
MacKillop Catholic College Mount Peter emphasises rigorous learning across core disciplines and opportunities for student leadership and personal growth.
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, leadership development, and languages are emphasised within a broad curriculum.
- Special programs: Senior pathways through the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) framework, with potential options for accelerated learning and gifted/talented programs where available.
- NAPLAN / trends: Public reporting typically shows stable or improving performance in key areas across recent years; the school aims to support growth in reading, writing and numeracy over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to enable meaningful teacher support; typical ratios are in the low-to-mid 20s per class, with additional supports available.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support available, with learning support staff, adjustments in classroom practice, and targeted assistance where required.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Australian parents often prioritise sport and extracurriculars, and MacKillop Catholic College Mount Peter provides a broad range of activities.
- Sports offered: Codes and activities commonly include football (soccer), rugby/footy, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, and other school‑level teams.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive interschool teams with participation in regional events and championships.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choir and performing arts opportunities; involvement in school productions and assemblies.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other academic or interest clubs.
- Partnerships: Participation in local competitions and collaborations with community and regional clubs for sport, STEM and arts activities.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the school approach, supporting students’ personal and social development.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful behaviour and safe learning environments.
- House system: House activities and competitions to foster belonging and teamwork.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff for emotional support and guidance.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation and mentoring to help new students settle in and form connections.
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are an important factor for families, and the college offers spaces designed to support learning and enrichment.
- Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor spaces for physical education and sport.
- Libraries: On-site library resources to support research and reading.
- Science labs: Dedicated laboratories for hands-on science learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music workshops, rehearsals and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Digital learning spaces and practical technology environments.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or tuck shop services for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern outdoor play and recreation areas.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
Families often assess whether a school’s culture aligns with their values and expectations.
- School values / mission: Catholic ethos with a focus on faith, service, integrity and excellence.
- Leadership style: Inclusive leadership with student involvement in leadership roles and a student voice in school life.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, responsibility and resilience.
- Community reputation: A welcoming Catholic community with active involvement from families and parish connections.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical details help families plan around school routines and commitments.
- School hours: Typical school day starts in the morning and finishes in the mid‑afternoon; precise times are set by the college calendar.
- Before/after school care: Available or arranged through school programs or approved providers.
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform with specified dress codes for regular days and sports uniform for PE or games.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and public transport options; details provided by the college and local transit authorities.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or snack facilities available on site.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees align with other Catholic independent/private schools in the region; families should refer to the current fee schedule for exact figures.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquire with the college, complete the application, provide required documents (birth certificates, previous school records, etc.), participate in any required interviews or assessments, receive a placement offer, and complete enrolment with confirmation of fees and start dates. Timelines vary by year level and current capacity.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There is typically a waiting list when enrolments exceed capacity. Offers are made based on available places, family priorities (e.g., sibling attendance, parish affiliation), and processing of applications. Applicants on the waiting list may be invited to shortlisting events or interviews as spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often involves an interview or meeting with the enrolments team; there may be discussions about suitability and placement. There is typically no formal entrance exam, but some year levels may have literacy/numeracy checks or requests for previous school references.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible, subject to space and timetable compatibility, and completion of standard transfer paperwork and records from the previous school.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A Catholic, values‑driven education with a focus on academic development, pastoral care and community involvement; strong sense of belonging and supportive staff.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated to grow academically, participate in community life, and engage with faith‑based learning and service.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Broad curriculum across STEM, languages and English; leadership and service programs; competitive sport teams; music and performing arts; clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; opportunities for senior pathways and accelerated learning where available.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, a student information portal, parent-teacher interviews and annual reports; information sessions and notices posted through official channels.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Differentiated, student‑centred instruction that integrates faith values; use of digital tools and real‑world learning experiences; focus on inquiry and critical thinking.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL/SEN services, tutoring/tutoring programs and classroom adjustments to accommodate diverse learning needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, counsellors and coordinated interventions to help students achieve their potential.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; ongoing channels include portals, emails and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing targeted instruction and opportunities for small-group support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sport options, music/arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating; participation in interschool competitions and events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern science labs, libraries, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, sports grounds, a canteen and updated outdoor play spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated use of digital tools and platforms; 1:1 or bring‑your‑own device policies where applicable; emphasis on digital literacy and safe online practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and access to public transport; detailed transportation information provided by the school and local transit authorities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in line with other Catholic independent/private schools in the region; exact amounts are published in the annual fee schedule.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong Catholic ethos with a focus on values, service and community
- Supportive pastoral care and wellbeing resources
- Broad academics with opportunities for leadership and extension
- Diverse extracurriculars including sports, arts and clubs
- Modern facilities and well‑equipped learning spaces
- Cons
- Private/Catholic school fees may be higher than public options
- Large school size can mean busier environments and less immediate personal attention in some contexts
- Availability of specific programs may vary by year level or cohort and should be confirmed with the school
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