Explore
We invite you to watch the video below to explore St Catherine’s School and what it has to offer.
Ethos
"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire"
- St Catherine of Siena
At St Catherine’s School there is a distinct feeling of welcome for all who enter our doors. This intangible sense of belonging is realized through the daily interactions within our school and our community.
Founded on the values of the Newcastle Dominican Sisters, we aim to achieve a holistic education which incorporates Spiritual, Social, Academic, Sport and Cultural ideals.
We strive to nurture a system based on Gospel values with Christ at the centre of our school, and provide a Christian atmosphere where individuals may deepen their relationship with God.
We regard each person, no matter what their association with the school, with dignity and respect and encourage all pupils to reach their full potential in all aspects of their growth and development.
We believe the core values of respect, integrity, forgiveness and justice are key qualities of people who live in the name of Jesus.
Mr Dennis Maritz
Head of School
“We live in both exciting and challenging times and nowhere is this truer than in the field of education. St Catherine’s has served the local community for more than a century with distinction. The hallmarks of our offering include a deep sense of Christian purpose and a commitment to exceptional quality in the classroom and in the field of co-curricular activity.
As we strive to innovate we are also constantly mindful of the deep roots which we have in our community and the wealth of tradition which forms an integral part of what we stand for.
A St Catherine’s alumnus enters the world of tertiary education or work not only as one who is fully equipped to meet the demands placed on them, but also has the emotional maturity and social awareness to interact constructively with others and to contribute to the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.
At St Catherine’s our pupils are members of a family of learning where they not only experience tradition but are also taught to succeed.”
History
Mother Rose saw the need to educate the children of the miners and merchants in this growing township and took up the challenge. The aim of the Sisters was to provide a solid education for young people, based on Christian values and excellent academic standards.
The school remains true to these founding principles to this day.
We Strive To:
- Nurture a system based on Gospel values with Christ at the centre of our school
- Provide a Christian atmosphere where individuals may deepen their relationship with God
- Regard each person, no matter what their association with the school, with human dignity and respect
- Encourage all learners to reach their full potential in all aspects of their growth and development
- We believe the core values of respect, integrity, forgiveness and justice are key qualities of people who live in the name of Jesus
VISION
St Catherine’s is a Catholic School whose Ethos is based on Christian values through actions, worship and prayer. Our excellent reputation is based on our high academic standards, the compassion shown to all pupils and the safe, disciplined environment in which pupils are holistically educated by passionate, well-qualified teachers.
St Catherine’s encourages respect, self-discipline and service to the community within the framework of critical thinking and active learning. St Catherine’s aims to produce pupils who will function confidently in the community, and commit themselves to respect and accept uniqueness and diversity as an individual.
MISSION STATEMENT
As an independent Catholic school and member of both ISASA and the CSO, we agree to:
- Provide a community environment based on the values of respect, love, honesty and integrity.
- Provide for the spiritual needs of each pupil with assistance from the local parish, St Augustine’s, and the Newcastle Dominican Congregation.
- Create an environment in which pupils can develop holistically i.e. spiritually, morally, intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically.
- Provide for the emotional and physiological needs of the pupils through a comprehensive pupil support programme.
- Maintain effective partnerships between the school, child, parents and the community and to keep the channels of communication open between all stakeholders by means of various print and electronic media.
- Employ qualified teachers who are dedicated to both the school and pupils, and to provide them with opportunities for professional development.
- Maintain a safe environment within the school, free from the fear of discrimination, bullying or intimidation, where each child feels valued, secure and content.
- Cultivate graduates who can fulfil their place in society in a meaningful manner as articulate Christians.
- Develop independence, self-worth and confidence in all pupils.
- Utilise the Code of Conduct to develop a sense of responsibility in pupils through the fair and consistent application of school rules and regulations.
- St Catherine’s encourages respect, self-discipline and service to the community within the framework of critical thinking and active learning. St Catherine’s aims to produce pupils who will function confidently in the community, and commit themselves to respect and accept uniqueness and diversity as an individual.