Celebrating diversity and excellence

There is no end point when it comes to lifelong learning. At St Michael’s, learning is dynamic and organic. Students learn how to learn — how to become active autonomous learners who, throughout their lives, will be able to adapt to their ever-changing world. All this within a warm, embracing community that encourages curiosity, creativity and reciprocity.

Our progressive culture reflects the spirit of the School’s founders, the Community of the Sisters of the Church, who established St Michael’s on its current site in 1895. Their values of diversity, social justice, empowerment and creativity survive as an enduring legacy to current and future generations.

Contributing citizenship

St Michael’s strives to challenge young minds and equip students with the skills, knowledge, awareness and confidence that are necessary to engage in life as contributing citizens of the 21st century.

We believe in educating students to communicate and negotiate, think critically, live life with dignity, care and compassion and respect others and the environment.

Embracing diversity

At St Michael’s, we believe that every person is different. The school offers students a significant choice in curriculum, co-curricular and pastoral care programs to cater for their diverse range of strengths, needs, interests and goals. We have a high commitment to research-based learning programs, and encourage our students to chart their preferred educational paths, explore individual interests and enjoy rich learning experiences.

Beginning with curiosity

Learning begins in the warm and inviting environment of our Kindergarten — Margaret Thomas House. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, we believe all children have unlimited potential and are strong, curious co-constructors of knowledge.

Small steps become giant leaps

The Junior School is an active, challenging and secure environment. In Preparatory to Year 6, learning is inquiry driven. Literacy and numeracy skills are learnt both separately and in the context of a rich transdisciplinary learning environment, which gives meaning and purpose to students’ learning.

The big picture

As students progress through to Senior School, St Michael’s encourages them to take increasing responsibility for their learning and a more active role in considering alternatives for their future.

The school provides additional support and guidance during Years 9 and 10 to prepare students for VCE, taking care to ensure students choose a balanced selection from the wide range of VCE subjects on offer. St Michael’s students consistently rank among the highest in Victoria.

Quality in Teaching

St Michael’s recognises that high quality staff have a direct impact on optimal learning outcomes. The school’s Ziebell program, an initiative which focuses on professional development for all staff, supports and promotes ongoing learning opportunities and collaboration for all employees.

St Michael’s is proud to be an Employer of Choice for Women in 2012, as part of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency.

Learning beyond the classroom

From the first day of Kindergarten right through to Year 12, compulsory curriculum studies are complemented with co-curricular programs. A solid foundation for lifelong learning and discovery is thus balanced by opportunities to pursue individual interests in areas as diverse as music, drama, sport, debating, public speaking and outdoor education, including the enthralling Kosciuszko to Coast expedition in Year 11. At every stage, and in every subject area, each student receives individual support and encouragement.

Academic Scholarship

For entry into Years 7 and 10. Awarded for academic merit. Based on an exam and an interview. Involves a parental means test.

Choral Scholarship

For entry into Years 7 to 10. Should have prior choral or vocal experience in addition to music theatre. Based on an exam, an audition, a CV and an interview. Involves a parental means test.

General Excellence (Old Michaelian) Scholarship

For entry into Year 7. Open to children of Old Michaelians. Awarded for exceptional talent in at least 2 of the following: music, performing arts, sports and academic ability. Based on an exam, an audition (if required), a CV and an interview. Involves a parental means test.

General Excellence Scholarship

For entry into Years 7 to 10. Awarded for exceptional talent in at least 2 of the following: music, performing arts, sports and academic ability. Based on an exam, an audition (if required), a CV and an interview. Involves a parental means test.

Instrumental Music Scholarship

For entry into Years 7 to 10. Awarded for exceptional ability in an orchestral instrument. Based on an exam, an audition and an interview. Must meet minimum AMEB level. Involves a parental means test.

Performing Arts Scholarship

For entry into Years 7 to 10. Awarded for exceptional drama and/or dance ability and experience. Based on an audition and an interview. Involves a parental means test.