## 1. Overview
St Mary MacKillop College in West Busselton is a Catholic, co-educational secondary college serving families in the local regional community. The college emphasises faith-based learning within a supportive, values-driven environment, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose for students.
Key facts
- School type: Catholic
- School size: Medium
- Class size: approximately 20–24 students
- Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, with a strong focus on academic achievement and pastoral care
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## 2. Academics & Learning
St Mary MacKillop College emphasises well-rounded learning with a focus on literacy, numeracy, STEM, and leadership development. The college supports students to grow academically while cultivating resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Academic strengths: English, Mathematics and STEM-focused learning, Humanities, and leadership development; emphasis on literacy across the curriculum
- Special programs: Senior pathways including ATAR and Vocational Education and Training (VET); opportunities for gifted and talented learners; access to enrichment experiences
- NAPLAN trends: Trends show steady improvement in reading and numeracy across cohorts, with strong engagement in numeracy and writing
- Student-teacher ratios: Typically around 1:12 to 1:20, supporting attentive teaching and accessible assistance
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL and students with additional needs (SEN), with learning support staff and individualized plans
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports and co-curricular programs are a highlight for many families, providing opportunities for teamwork, fitness, and talent development.
- Sports offered: Basketball, Netball, Soccer, Athletics, Swimming, Tennis (with opportunities to participate in interschool competition)
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in regional interschool competitions with opportunities to contribute to school-level honours
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, performing arts opportunities, and drama productions
- Clubs: Robotics, Chess, Coding, Debating, and other student-led interest groups
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community competitions to broaden experiences and competition exposure
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to student success, with systems in place to support emotional health, behaviour, and smooth transitions.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, proactive education, restorative practices, and a safe school culture
- House system: A house-based structure to promote belonging, pastoral care, and healthy competition
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff and guidance for academic and personal development
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities and targeted supports to help new students settle in
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## 5. Facilities
The college provides a range of facilities designed to support learning, creativity, and sport.
- Sports grounds: Quality outdoor spaces and sporting facilities
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories
- Music/performing arts centres: Dedicated spaces for music and drama
- Tech/innovation labs: Practical spaces supporting technology and hands-on learning
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering balanced meals
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor recreation areas
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
St Mary MacKillop College fosters a values-based community that emphasises respect, responsibility, compassion, and excellence.
- School values / mission: Faith-driven education focused on service, integrity, and personal growth
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered with opportunities for student leadership and voice
- Behaviour expectations: Clear standards aligned with school values, reinforced through restorative approaches
- Community reputation: Known for a supportive, close-knit community that prioritises pastoral care
- Diversity & inclusion: Inclusive environment welcoming students from diverse backgrounds
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan around school routines.
- School hours: Typical daytime schedule with start and finish times published in the enrolment pack
- Before/after school care: OSHC options available through on-site or partner providers
- Uniform requirements: School uniform required, with details provided on enrolment information
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes and transport options available to families
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen providing healthy meals and snacks
- Fees: Moderate to mid-range fees for regional Catholic secondary education
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit a completed application along with required documentation
- Complete any necessary interviews or assessments
- Receive a place offer if spaces are available; confirm enrolment and arrange start date
- Attend orientation or welcome activities prior to commencing
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- A waiting list may operate when full capacity is reached; prioritisation is typically based on factors such as date of application, space availability, and admissions policies
- Families are contacted as places become available
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- An application is required; some cohorts may involve an interview or discussion to assess fit, readiness, and enrolment goals
- Documentation to verify identity, residence, and any required supports may be requested
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to space and meeting enrolment criteria; timely inquiry is advised to secure space
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-driven Catholic education in a supportive regional community, with strong pastoral care and opportunities across academics, sport, and the arts.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated, collaborative, respectful, and looking for a balanced education with clear pastoral support and faith-based values.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- ATAR and VET pathways, leadership opportunities, clubs (robotics, coding, debating, chess), regional sports, music and drama programs, and performance opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, school app or portal, emails, and parent-teacher interviews; timely information on events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and the integration of faith-informed values across the curriculum.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Dedicated learning support, EAL/SEN assistance, diagnostic assessments, and individualized plans as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Targeted tutoring, study support programs, and ongoing feedback from teachers to help students improve.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: repeated)
- See above; multiple channels used to ensure families stay informed about student progress and school activities.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically around 20–24 students, with opportunities for additional teacher support and small-group guidance.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music, drama, and clubs including robotics, coding, debating, and chess.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, canteen, and updated outdoor areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support learning, with appropriate devices and platforms used to enhance classroom experiences.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options; information provided to families during enrolment.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the moderate to mid-range range for regional Catholic secondary education; details provided in enrolment materials.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and pastoral care
- Values-based Catholic education with inclusive culture
- Moderate class sizes enabling individual attention
- Broad range of academics, sport, and arts activities
- Pathways for both ATAR and vocational education
- Cons
- Rural/regional setting may involve longer travel for some families
- Fees apply (as with many independent Catholic schools)
- Availability of some programs may depend on year level and space
- Campus facilities are strong but may differ in specialist areas from metropolitan schools
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