Challenging girls to be their best
SECONDARY SCHOOL ENROLMENTS
AS a parent, choosing the right school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you will make.
“Here at Collegiate, we offer personal tours,” says Trisha Lowe, Head of Enrolments at St Michael’s Collegiate School.
Families can make an appointment at a time that suits them and there is no need to wait for open days or special events.
“All our tours are unhurried, tailored to individual needs, and families are welcome to chat with our staff and students to gain a true understanding of life at Collegiate.
“Come in and experience the impressive academic program and the outstanding range of opportunities that we offer.”
Collegiate provides a unique Middle School for girls in years 5-8 and Senior School for Years 9-12.
“Year five and six are popular entry points at Collegiate” says Trisha.
“Our girls benefit from specialist teachers across their subject areas and are exposed to a wide range of opportunities — from languages, the arts and STEM, through to a wide range of co-curricular offerings.
“Parents often comment that bringing their daughter in to Collegiate in these upper primary years was the best decision they ever made.”
Girls applying for entry in Year nine are often drawn by the school’s signature 9 ASPIRE program.
“9 ASPIRE marks the entry to Senior School, and is truly a remarkable program.”
A curriculum rich in service learning and exploration is supported by four week-long expeditions throughout the year which see students build resilience, leadership and teamwork. Girls can be bushwalking in world heritage wilderness areas, caving, abseiling, sailing, sea kayaking or mountain biking through to working in remote communities, and even teaching in schools in the Solomon Islands.
“You’ll be amazed what 9 ASPIRE delivers in terms of personal growth.
“It really is a turning point in the lives of so many of our students and they develop skills that will remain with them forever.”
With extraordinary ATAR results that most recently saw 33 per cent of students score in the top five per cent of students nationally, Collegiate continues to uphold its long history of academic success.
“Our results are truly exceptional, and I believe, are a reflection of our focus on a holistic education.
“Our girls are encouraged to explore their passions, push their own boundaries and become measured risk takers.
“It’s amazing what happens when girls are supported to be curious and creative, provided with specialist teachers across all subject areas and given individual care and career guidance.”
Trisha encourages families to book a tour and “come along to Collegiate armed with questions”.
“It’s really important to explore every option for your daughter,” says Trisha. Tours of Collegiate can be booked directly through Mrs Trisha Lowe on (03) 6211 4936 or trisha.lowe@collegiate.tas.edu.au or via the schools website — www.collegiate.tas.edu.au
Catholic College believes in enriching students’ learning, and their lives, through immersive experiences.
While the award-winning Timor-Leste Immersion and fundraising program is exemplary, the College offers other programs that deepen students’ connection with our region and broadens their horizons.
Language teacher Jakki Hardman is passionate about Japanese language and culture and constantly strives to ignite that same enthusiasm in her students.
“MacKillop runs a biennial study tour to Japan for Year 9 and 10 students and has an arrangement with the Hokkaido-Australia Friendship Society, bringing 20 Japanese students from Hokkaido to Hobart every two years,” she said.
“They are billeted by MacKillop families, resulting in stimulating cultural exchanges, life-long friendships and, of course, a chance to test their language skills.”
Fifteen Japanese Language students have embarked on a rigorous new extension course to prepare them for an internationally recognised test in Melbourne. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test has five levels, and preparation begins in Year 8 for testing in Year 10.
“The N5 Squad, as the extension group is called, meets after school on Tuesdays for extra tuition and also completes challenging work within their regular Language classes.
“They also converse in Japanese with Ms Shibanuma from the Japan Foundation, who regularly visits class.”
Such programs inspire students to challenge themselves and gain real-world skills that will prove valuable later in life.
The College’s VET (Vocational Education & Training) program, which falls under the umbrella of the Southern Tasmanian Catholic Colleges Trade Training Centre, was winner of the Schools Pathway in VET Award in 2017. Industry pathways begin in Year 9 and continue through to Year 12 at partner colleges, and all units of competency go towards Certificate I and II.
The programs entail meaningful, relevant work and have proven to be highly engaging. Construction students work with