Overview
St Mary’s College in Broome is a Catholic, non-government secondary school with a medium-sized student community. The college focuses on a faith-based education that emphasises values, service and academic growth, within a inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Typical class sizes sit in the 20s, fostering strong teacher-student relationships and personalised attention. The environment is nurturing and welcoming, with an emphasis on community, faith, and academic effort.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English, Mathematics, STEM disciplines, leadership development, and languages (including Indonesian) are emphasized alongside religious education as a core part of the curriculum.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented options and accelerated learning opportunities are available where capacity allows, with a focus on meeting diverse student needs.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (special educational needs) provisions are in place, with learning support staff and coordinated plans to assist eligible students.
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), basketball, netball, AFL, athletics, swimming and other common school-sport programs are available, with opportunities to participate in regional and inter-school events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Students regularly participate in regional competitions; there are opportunities to represent the college in various sport codes and school-based teams.
- Music, arts, drama programs: The college provides music and performing arts programs, with opportunities to perform and participate in productions and ensembles.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other student clubs are offered to broaden skills and interests.
- Partnerships: Local community clubs and competitions, along with partnerships with regional sporting bodies and arts programs, provide extended opportunities for students.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A clear anti-bullying policy and respectful relationships framework guide behaviour and culture.
- House system: A house-based structure supports pastoral care, competitions, and community connection.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated wellbeing staff support students’ social-emotional needs, with access to counselling services.
- Transition support for new students: Induction programs, buddy systems and targeted transition supports help new students settle in smoothly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts support PE and team sports.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library supports reading, study and research.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical experiments and investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and rehearsals.
- Tech/innovation labs: ICT and technology spaces support digital learning and project work.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities suitable for students and staff.
- Updated playgrounds: Play and recreational spaces are available and maintained for student use.
- School values / mission: Faith-based values such as compassion, integrity, service, respect and excellence underpin daily life and learning.
- Leadership style: Student-centered leadership with opportunities for student voice, student councils and peer leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour expectations aligned with school values, including respect for self, others and the learning environment.
- Community reputation: Known for a supportive, faith-informed community with active parental involvement and community partnerships.
- Diversity & inclusion: A welcoming environment that values diversity and seeks to support students from different backgrounds.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs from morning start to afternoon finish with breaks; precise times may vary by year level and term.
- Before/after school care: Care options are available through approved providers or school arrangements to support families.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required; details are provided through the college and uniform providers, with seasonal options and appropriate dress standards.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services and school transport options operate in Broome to support commuting students.
- Canteen availability: A canteen or snack facilities are available on site for students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the mid-range for WA Catholic secondary schools; exemptions or concessions may be available for eligible families.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Applications are invited through the school’s admissions pathway. Typical steps include submitting an application, providing required documents (e.g., birth and immunisation records as applicable), attending an information session or tour, and completing any required assessments or interviews. Offers are issued according to a set timeline that may vary by intake year.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply when demand exceeds available places. In such cases, positions are allocated based on application date, family circumstances (e.g., siblings), and pastoral or enrolment priorities defined by the college.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry may involve an interview or dialogue with the family and student, and may include discussion of academic readiness and alignment with the school’s values. Some assessments or reviews of prior academic work may be requested, though requirements can vary by year and intake.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to space and the completion of a formal transfer process. Prospective families should contact the admissions team to confirm availability and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education, supportive community, strong teacher-student relationships, and a broad program offering in academics, sport and arts.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value faith-informed learning, community involvement, and balanced engagement across academics, sport and extracurriculars.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extended academic programs (gifted/accelerated options), competitive team sports, music and drama opportunities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through email, newsletters, parent portals or apps, and regular parent-teacher interviews; timely updates on events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, differentiated instruction; emphasis on literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, and faith-informed values embedded across learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Through targeted learning support, EAL and SEN services, learning plans, tutoring and collaboration between teachers and specialists.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early identification, personalized support plans, access to learning support staff and external referrals if needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; ongoing channels include digital communications, meetings, and formal reporting.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (soccer, basketball, netball, AFL, athletics), arts and music programs, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well-maintained learning and recreation spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT curriculum with opportunities for digital projects, coding and research; emphasis on safe, effective use of technology in learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local Broome bus routes and transport options, car access and parking; school supports smooth arrival and departure arrangements.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are mid-range for WA Catholic schools; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and extracurricular activity fees; financial assistance may be available.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong Catholic values and community atmosphere
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing and faith
- Broad range of sports, arts and clubs
- Supportive wellbeing services and transition support
- Fees higher than public schools and may be a consideration for some families
- Location in a regional area may limit access to some external opportunities
- Availability of some programs may vary by intake year or cohort
- Transport options depend on regional routes and schedules
