St Ursula's College

Overview

St Ursula's College Yeppoon is a Catholic secondary school serving the Capricorn Coast region. The college emphasises faith-based education, community, and personal development within a nurturing environment that supports academic growth and wellbeing. It aims to balance strong learning outcomes with opportunities for leadership, service, and character building.

• School type: Catholic
• School size: Medium
• Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-driven, and community-focused

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: English and Humanities are well-supported, with emphasis on literacy, critical thinking, and communication. STEM foundations are provided through core subjects, with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and maths in senior years. Leadership and faith-based education are integrated into the learning experience, and languages may be offered as part of the curriculum.
• Special programs: Catholic faith formation and leadership opportunities are common features. Some students may have access to accelerated senior subjects or pathways that align with vocational education and training (VET) programs, depending on year level and availability.
• Support for diverse learners: Support for diverse learners is typically available, including support for EAL (if applicable), SEN/inclusion services, and learning support staff to assist students needing additional help.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: Netball, basketball, soccer, athletics, swimming, and other regional programs. Physical education and sport are encouraged as part of a balanced education.
• Strong teams or achievements: The college often participates in regional competitions and builds strong team culture across sports, contributing to school pride and teamwork.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs with opportunities to participate in choirs, ensembles, drama productions, and related arts activities.
• Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other co-curricular clubs support a range of interests and talents.
• Partnerships: Local community partnerships and regional competitions help provide additional opportunities beyond the classroom, including activities that promote STEM, arts, and sport.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, school-wide anti-bullying stance with clear policies and support structures for students.
• House system: A house or pastoral grouping structure to foster belonging, competition, and peer support.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing officers to support students’ emotional, social, and mental wellbeing.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation programs and transition support help new students settle in, build connections, and understand routines.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: Adequate outdoor sports facilities to support physical education and team training.
• Libraries: A library space that supports reading, study, and research.
• Science labs: Well-equipped science laboratories for hands-on experiments.
• Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music ensembles, drama, and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Computing or technology spaces to support digital learning and projects.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities for students.
• Updated playgrounds: Play/interaction areas suitable for break times and physical activity.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: Catholic values such as faith, service, integrity, respect, and resilience are commonly reflected in the school’s mission and daily life.
• Leadership style: A community-oriented leadership approach with student voice through student council or leadership opportunities.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct promoting respect, responsibility, and positive behaviour.
• Community reputation: The college is generally viewed within the local community as a faith-based, values-driven school focused on holistic development.
• Diversity & inclusion: Efforts to foster an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical Queensland school day structure, with start times around morning hours and finish in the mid to late afternoon.
• Before/after school care: Availability varies; some schools offer after-school supervision or care programs or partner with local providers.
• Uniform requirements: A defined school uniform is required, with details on garments, colours, and how to obtain them.
• Transport (train/bus routes): Regional transport options exist, with bus routes serving Yeppoon and surrounding areas.
• Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack facilities commonly available for students.
• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the moderate range for Catholic secondary schools in regional Queensland; exact amounts vary by year level and program.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Parents usually submit an application form, provide required documents, and follow the school's admissions timeline. There may be information sessions or open days, with notification of outcomes after formal assessment or interview steps.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• Waiting lists can occur at popular entry points. The school will advise on placement status, waiting list timing, and any priority considerations (e.g., siblings, parish affiliation).

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Typical entries may include an application, supporting documents, and an interview or information session. Some schools request references or prior school reports.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible based on space and completion of required enrolment steps; contact the admissions team for current policy and available positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- Catholic values, a supportive learning environment, focus on character development, and a sense of community.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who value faith-informed education, participate in communities, and want balanced academics with wellbeing support.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- A range of academic subjects, leadership opportunities, regional sports involvement, music and drama programs, and co-curricular clubs.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- Student-centered learning with a mix of direct instruction, collaborative work, and differentiated support; integration of faith and values where appropriate.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- Learning support services, targeted interventions, and access to counsellors or wellbeing staff; pathways to additional tutoring or assistance as needed.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Individual support plans, extra tutoring, small-group sessions, and ongoing progress monitoring.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)

- See above: newsletters, portals, and meetings.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A range of sports, music, arts, and 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 spaces, and technology/innovation labs.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integration of digital tools and resources to support learning, collaboration, and preparation for modern tasks; emphasis on responsible use.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Regional transport options such as bus services; accessibility details available through the admissions team.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees are positioned in the moderate range for regional Catholic secondary schools; specific costs provided by the school upon inquiry.

Short Pros & Cons

• Pros

- Catholic, values-driven education with a focus on wellbeing and character - Range of co-curriculars in sports, arts, and STEM - Community-minded culture and supportive environment

• Cons

- Fees apply (as with most private/Catholic secondary schools) - Availability of certain programs (e.g., IB or specific accelerated tracks) may vary by year and require confirmation - Transport options depend on regional routes and schedules