House system

St Mary’s College students are allocated to the Marymede Catholic College vertical house pastoral care system enabling all students to integrate into College life confidently.

Learning overview

Our South Morang Secondary Campus offers an individualised deaf and hard of hearing program delivered by Teachers of the Deaf who are passionately committed to student growth and learning in an environment that stimulates and encourages six years of secondary school excellence.

Students negotiate their course of studies to fully participate in the school curriculum as offered through Marymede Catholic College while accessing St Mary’s College Expanded Learning Program (EXP).

Expanded Learning program (EXP)

EXP is a subject taken as part of each student’s year level subject timetable. Taught by Teachers of the Deaf, this subject is determined in collaboration with students and parents and based on the Expanded Core Curriculum for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, designed to support students in accessing and experiencing success in their core subjects.

Teaching areas may include literacy, expressive and receptive language, audition, speech or social-emotional learning. EXP is flexible and varies from student to student and from year to year, depending on subjects and wellbeing needs.

PSG/SSG meetings are held with parents each term as a way of monitoring student progress, receiving feedback and planning for future teaching and learning. In between meetings, we maintain regular phone and email contact with parents.

Courses and activities

As part of the broader St Mary’s College of the deaf and hard of hearing community our students participate in:

• Secondary School’s Deaf Sports Day
• St Mary’s College assemblies
• St Dominic’s Day celebrations
• Lunchtime Social Clubs.

Many students develop close and lifelong friendships with other students they identify with at these St Mary’s events and activities.

Students also have the opportunity of accessing a wide range of subjects and senior courses of study that are based on inclusion, diversity, and choice.

Languages offered include Italian or Japanese.

Specific courses and activities available at our South Morang campus including vast opportunities to compete in interschool sport, music, dance, drama, and a bi-annual theatre production.

The Trade Skills Centre offers a range of skills and pathways training delivered on campus and international cultural tours and exchanges are offered to gain an understanding of different nations.

Through our affiliation with Marymede, there are numerous co-curricular activities to engage and develop passion and excellence outside of the classroom including Soccer Academy, Art Club, Boxing Club, DJ Collective, Film school and Food Tech Club.

Student Leadership

Students participate in leadership programs offered at St Mary’s College and Marymede Catholic College. Student leadership gives students the opportunity to develop confidence, experience the benefits of doing things for others as well as being positive role models.

St Mary’s Leadership

A senior St Mary’s student is elected as Student Campus Leader each year. Part of this role is to meet other Student Campus Leaders and the College leadership team to provide feedback on how the educational experience for St Mary’s students can be enhanced. They also plan for campus and whole school social and fundraising activities.

Marymede Leadership

There are also opportunities to nominate themselves as leaders within Marymede Catholic College with student leadership opportunities from Years 7 to 12. Leaders take ownership of leading College events and fostering a culture that encourages all students to participate and engage in everything Marymede offers.

Wellbeing

A positive approach to student wellbeing underpins the spiritual, emotional, social, academic and physical growth of all students. Activities offered to strengthen wellbeing include St Mary’s Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Program and Marymede programs offered through both the curriculum and co-curricular activities.

Career Pathways

Students can access the VCE pathway, a well-established VCAL or a VET program. Work experience is promoted from Year 10 with a focus on managing hearing loss in the workplace to prepare students for success in either their first part time job or starting their dream career.

Career Action Plans are developed and regularly reviewed with students and their parents/guardians through PSG/SSG meetings ensuring they have the right subjects, skills and experiences once they complete their education with St Mary’s.

Further considered pathways and professional career advice can be accessed through Marymede or through our partnership with community organisations such as Expression Employment and Sign for Work.

After gaining workplace experiences in Year 10, students participate in extensive career counselling interviews at the College.

Assistive technology

Assistive hearing technologies support our goal in building strong and capable student communication skills through listening and spoken English.

Classrooms and assembly spaces are fitted with Roger SoundField speakers, FM transmitters and wall pilots making syncing in for students subtle and seamless. Technology is regularly maintained ensuring good working order.

Student voice

Our students feel a sense of belonging, connection and ownership at our South Morang Campus. It’s a place where they care and respect each other while reaching their potential.

It’s a great place to be! But don’t just take our word for it – listen to what other St Mary’s College students have to say.