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 take place?
Our project milestones outlines the timeline for the precinct changes.
Currently, enrolments are open for girls for Year 11, 2025. Visit our enrolment section for more information.
What are the new offerings for OLM?
We have many experienced HSC expert teachers on staff to guide, challenge and support our students to achieve their full potential in their senior years. Course subjects may be found here. Some of these courses are blended courses with our fellow precinct schools.
OLM and De La Salle Caringbah 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?
Students who are already enrolled in Year 10 in 2025 and 2026 at OLM will have the option of continuing their senior years in a familiar setting where they are known, or enrolling into Year 11 at St Aloysius. From 2026, enrolments into Year 11 at St Aloysius will be limited to 45 girls from OLM due to site capacity. Applications will be assessed in line with the Sydney Catholic Schools Enrolment Policy. From 2028, external enrolments to Year 11 at St Aloysius will be limited as that school’s graduating Year 10 students will require places. Year 11 enrolment applications from OLM will be determined by the number of places available and the SCS Enrolment Policy.