Why are we introducing these changes?
In 2019, we asked our parents and wider community in the Sutherland Shire what they wanted in a Catholic education. Feedback indicated parents wanted more choice in secondary schooling models in the Eastern Shire. This was also a great opportunity to increase our connection with parish and ensure our students are provided with a world-class, character building education, with state of the art facilities, co-curricular options and partnerships with local industry and universities.
What is the precinct model and what are the benefits?
There are many benefits from the precinct model: Families will have the choice of single sex and co-educational pathways characterised by strong Catholicity, parish connection and unique points of difference. Proximity and a strong collaborative partnership between the three Colleges will enable sharing of resources, facilities and specialist expertise that will benefit students, teachers and families.
- Teachers across the schools share expertise with one another.
- Students will be offered broader curriculum and co-curricular options including sport, creative and performing arts with the opportunity to access courses, programs and initiatives across each school.
- Dedicated learning, sporting, creative and performing facilities will be available for use by students from all Colleges.
- Wrap around support services across the Colleges means students and their families are assisted in their times of need.
Our educational precinct also includes our feeder parish primary schools, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School Cronulla, St Francis de Sales Catholic Primary School Woolooware, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Caringbah and Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Miranda. The primary schools work in partnership with the secondary colleges to ensure a continuum of education and a seamless transition into high school.
Why is it important to have a choice of school model?
Students are all different and the learning environment that benefits one child may not benefit another. The new precinct model allows parents to choose the best fit for their child, knowing that they will receive the same commitment to excellence, faith, character building and cocurricular options at any of the three Colleges. OLM and De La Salle Caringbah will continue to be specialists in the education of girls and boys.
When will the changes be rolled out?
Our project milestones outlines the timeline for the precinct changes.
Currently, enrolments are open for girls for Year 11, 2024. Visit our enrolment section for more information.
What are the new offerings for OLM?
OLM will have a refurbishment to allow us to take on HSC subjects. Students will also have access to any new refurbishment or specialised HSC facilities at St Aloysius College or De La Salle Caringbah.
Our expert HSC teachers are preparing for our first Year 11 cohort in 2024. Course subjects may be found here. Some of these courses will be blended courses with our fellow precinct schools.
OLM and De La Salle Caringbah will run the HSC Enrichment Program, which offers bespoke and individualised HSC support, assisting students in the wellbeing, academic and social areas during their critical senior years.
Will my child miss out on co-ed socialising opportunities now OLM goes to Years 11 and 12?
No – thanks to the precinct model, there are plenty of co-curricular and social opportunities for the students to mix, with shared opportunities in sports, creative and performing arts, specialist offerings, and immersion and outreach activities. The relationship between OLM and De La Salle Caringbah is particularly strong.
Will my daughter be able to continue Year 11 and 12 at St Aloysius College Cronulla?
The student capacity at Cronulla is limited as the site is gradually adapted to accommodate facilities for a full Years 7-12 college. Students who are currently enrolled in Year 10 at OLM will have the option of continuing their senior years in a familiar setting where they are known at OLM, or enrolling into Year 11 at St Aloysius for 2024. Enrolments into Year 11 at St Aloysius in future years will depend on the site capacity.