many minds one heart - australian schools directory...3 caroline chisholm born in 1808 in england,...

Many MindsOne Heart

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College

3

CarOline CHisHOlMBorn in 1808 in England, Caroline Jones converted to Catholicism and married a Captain Archibald Chisholm. The captain served in Madras, India and then they journeyed on to Australia. Caroline was shocked at the plight of young women migrating from the poorhouses and orphanages of Ireland and England who disembarked in Sydney without food or money. Caroline gained the reputation as the “Emigrants’ friend”, establishing refugee centres in Sydney and later, in the 1850’s, “shakedowns” en route to the Victorian goldfields. She found employment in homes and on sheep stations in the bush. She actively lobbied Government authorities. Caroline was a social reformer and a driving force in helping change the colonial society from a penal settlement to a fledgling nation through the migration of young families. Her dedication, compassion, and ecumenism make her a fine role model for our students of the twenty-first century.

Our school is inspired by the life of Caroline Chisholm, in particular, her selflessness in the service of those in unfortunate circumstances.


OUr COlleGeOverviewCaroline Chisholm Catholic College is a comprehensive co-educational school offering a rich variety of educational opportunities for secondary students from Melbourne’s inner west for over 50 years.

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College originated from three colleges: Christ the King College, St. John’s College and Chisholm College. They were all established to bring a Catholic education to the girls and/ or boys of the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

1963 – Christ the King College registered as a secondary school for girls (years 7-10) under the leadership of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart.

1965 – The Brothers of the Sacred Heart arrived from Quebec, Canada and established St. John’s College for boys (years 7-10).

1979 – The two schools worked cooperatively and this resulted in the formation of Chisholm College, a senior coeducational college for Year 11 and 12 students.

1997 – Caroline Chisholm Catholic College was formed with the amalgamation of Christ the King (girls junior), St. John’s (boys junior) and Sacred Heart (co-ed senior).

The College is proud to provide an innovative learning and teaching program, complemented by fine facilities, resources and a progressive culture. Most of all, the College has a dedicated staff committed to providing the best possible education for adolescents in the 21st century. All students have a notebook; all staff enjoy the advantages of being part of a Performance and Development Culture. Indeed the College is a case study for this program. The College provides a learning environment with ever strengthening global and technological perspectives and has sister school links in Italy, China, Japan and England.

School StructureSituated on two sites in Churchill Avenue, Braybrook, the College caters for about 1,500 students and is easily accessible by public transport.

It provides learning opportunities in three schools:

– Junior Girls Years 7 to 9

– Junior Boys Years 7 to 9

– Senior School Years 10 to 12


OUrPHilOsOPHyMissionOur mission at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College is to strive to live Gospel truths and values. We seek to provide a holistic education. We endeavour to inspire and empower all members of the college community to reach their full potential.

VisionCalled to live out our mission in the Catholic Church through education, we proclaim our vision for the community of Caroline Chisholm Catholic College.

– We seek to form a community of students,

parents and staff focused on the values of the Gospel where, following the example of Jesus, we nurture a concern for all people, a sense of social justice and an active faith life.

– We seek to develop a positive, just and caring environment where all individuals can grow to their full potential.

– We celebrate the diversity of our community where all are welcomed, supported and challenged.

– We have a deep concern for the pastoral wellbeing of our students, their families and our staff.

– We seek to form a social conscience in our community so that we might all be active, critical members of our parish and the society in which we live.

– We are called to strive for excellence in all we do.

– We seek to provide a learning environment that is comprehensive, inclusive and responsive to the individual needs of the students in our care.

– We foster the development of the whole person, respecting the dignity and worth of each individual by providing a challenging curriculum with attainable goals.

– We strive to nurture the talents and abilities of our students through a concept of life-long learning for all.

– We nurture an attitude of hope through this vision; we seek to make the Kingdom a reality today and into the future.

Inclusive EnvironmentThe College is comprehensive. Each student has different interests, strengths and goals and we embrace this diversity and encourage all our students to find and celebrate their own identity. The College welcomes all students who are accommodated by the variety of learning opportunities. These include mainstream core classes, elective classes, classes/programs for accelerated learning, classes that provide targeted support for students with learning needs.


FaitHOverviewThe Deputy Principal (Faith Development) is supported by chaplains, who seek to develop the faith, religious and prayer experience of our students. A variety of liturgical celebrations, reflection and retreat days and community service activities are all designed to foster the Catholic ethos of the College.

The College nurtures the growth of each student to the fullness of life which Jesus brings. As a Catholic community we embrace Gospel values. This means that as a community we foster the development of each individual and encourage students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their humanity. We uphold a rich Catholic tradition at the core of our education. This tradition is embedded in the charism of Caroline Chisholm, what is taught, what is practised and what is witnessed by the entire staff of the College. This culture of the College permeates all we do and is a significant element to the faith life of our school.


stUdentWellBeinGOverviewThe College provides a rich pastoral care program which values positive relationships and partnerships between the College, home and community. Homegroup teachers, Year Level Coordinators, the Home Liaison Coordinator, Counsellors, Heads of School and the Deputy Principal (Student Wellbeing) oversee our students. These staff members offer valuable points of contact for parents who wish to discuss their child’s progress.

The College is a Restorative Practices Accredited School. The aim of Restorative Practices is to manage conflict by repairing harm and strengthening relationships as a way of building community.

Restorative practices provide:

– An approach to the management of inappropriate behavior

– A way to achieve positive outcomes for students, teachers, caregivers and the school community

– Opportunities for students learn from their mistakes and reconcile and resolve problems with others

– A strategy for enhancing pathway planning for young people

The Restorative Practice principles:

– Foster awareness in the student of how others have been affected

– Involve the student actively by using collaborative language; joint problem solve to enhance responsibility

– Recognise a student’s worth, their virtues and accomplishments

– Identify every serious instance of wrongdoing and conflict as an opportunity for learning and building empathy

– Engage parents

Features of the program include:

– Life Skills classes at each year level

– Counsellors guidance and assistance to students and to families

– A Primary Links transition program which supports our Year 7 students as they settle into their new environment

– Social Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction


learninG& teaCHinGOverviewCaroline Chisholm is centred on students’ developmental learning needs at each phase of their secondary schooling. The learning and teaching program is designed to allow all students to succeed, through a wide variety of academic programs. This includes accelerated learning for selected students, targeted support for students in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy and individual students’ special needs.

The Notebook Computer ProgramAll students receive a notebook computer which is supported by a high functioning infrastructure and teachers well trained to facilitate the use of the notebook as an effective educational tool.

Junior School In Years 7 and 8, the curriculum reflects the belief that students benefit from participating in a broad range of core learning activities.

In Year 9, there are more opportunities for choice within core areas of study and a comprehensive Arts, Technology and Languages elective program. An innovative program further enriches students, which includes a Bush Experience and the Melbourne Central Business District City Search.

Senior SchoolIn Year 10, students specialise in areas of interest whilst balancing the need for core study. High performing students are encouraged to enter the Accelerated Learning Program which includes the study of Unit 1 and 2 VCE subjects. Other students enter the Foundations VCAL (Applied Learning) program, involving access to work placement and TAFE studies.

Students in Years 11 and 12 choose the qualification which best suits their interests, whether it be the VCE, the VCAL or the study of VET. Student selection of studies is supported by a well-resourced Pathways Centre.

Co-CurriculaCo-curricula activities are highly valued and all students are encouraged to participate. These activities are seen as integral to student learning beyond the classroom.

ScholarshipsFr. Karmel Borg (academic) Scholarships are offered to Year 8 students annually. This involves a thorough selection process including a scholarship examination. The scholarships cover the tuition fees for the remaining four years of the student’s education at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College.


Maths And ScienceThe Mathematics and Science learning and teaching programs are designed to equip students with solid theoretical understandings. This includes the use of computer algebraic systems in mathematics and data-logging technology in science. Recently refurbished facilities are outfitted with specialised equipment and materials, including Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories. The College continues to enjoy strong enrolments in Mathematics and Science in the senior years, with many students progressing to relevant tertiary studies.

TechnologyTechnology includes Design and Technology, Systems Technology and Information Technology. Specialist facilities include Wood, Plastic, Metal, Fibre, Food, Electronics, Mechanics (automotive) and VET Electrotechnology.

Visual And Performing ArtsThe College enjoys a strong reputation in the community for its comprehensive Arts curriculum which is innovative, challenging and ever evolving. Studies in Dance, Drama, Fashion, Media, Photography, Theatre Studies, Visual Communication and Visual Arts are available. These areas generate a rich variety of co-curricula activities including the annual College Musical, the Instrumental Music Program, and various Arts Exhibitions.

Opened in 2009, the Quin Auditorium Performing Arts Centre is a landmark facility.

SportStudents participate in practical classes developing basic skills in a range of sporting activities. Features of the program include fitness and swimming.

The College’s membership of the SACCSS association provides our students the opportunity to enter a wide range of interschool sporting competitions throughout the year. Sports include Cricket, Golf, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Netball, Basketball, Cross Country, Swimming, Tennis and various Athletic track and field events. Year 7 to 10 students may participate in the Premier League competition.

The annual school Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals are highlights of the College calendar.

Students enjoy access to excellent community and College facilities including the RecWest Sports Centre, the LeBreton Swim Centre and Kindersmith Reserve.

Outdoor EducationThe Outdoor Education Program challenges students in their personal, interpersonal and practical skills, using the outdoors as a powerful tool for learning. Outdoor Education is a compulsory sequential program from Year 7 through to Year 10. The students receive instruction and experience in important areas such as fitness, first aid and leisure and survival skills. Activities cover experiences in canoeing, camping, bush craft, bush walking, mountain biking, surfing, abseiling and orienteering.

Part of the Outdoor Education Program is conducted at Garema-Dumont a camp site owned by the College and located in the Brisbane Ranges, one and a half hours drive from Melbourne.



204 Churchill AvenueBraybrook VIC 3019Telephone: (03) 9296 5311Facsimile: (03) 9296 5381

[email protected]

many minds one heart - australian schools directory...3 caroline chisholm born in 1808 in england,...

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