Principal's Welcome

A warm welcome to St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul

St Paul’s is a Year 7 to 12 Catholic comprehensive co-educational College located on the western side of Lake Macquarie, approximately 20 km for the centre of Newcastle. The school stands on Awabakal country.

The College motto of ‘To live is Christ’ is calling all community members to live a life inspired by Jesus Christ and live it to the fullest. Through many spiritual and well-being initiatives all students have the opportunity to grow into young women and men who are well prepared to make a positive contribution to society. Students attending the College come from the parishes of Booragul, Toronto, Morisset, Boolaroo / Warners Bay, Sugarloaf and Cardiff.

The Well-being and Pastoral Care of students is a priority for staff at the College. By developing strong partnerships with families, students are nurtured to grow both emotionally and socially through our CARE program which focuses on the values of Compassion, Appreciation, Respect and Endurance.

Teachers work closely with students to guide them to achieve to their academic goals in a challenging and supportive classroom environment. At St Paul’s Catholic College, we are able to offer a broad range of courses for Stage 6 students delivered by highly experienced and dedicated teachers. In the 2021 Higher School Certificate (HSC), one of our students achieved First in the State in the Retail Services Examination. Many of our students were also recognised on the HSC Distinguished Achievers List and with three students recognised for being first in the Diocese in Ancient History, History Extension and Design and Technology. Our high standards of achievements are indicative of many students regularly achieve ATARs above 90.

There are opportunities for students to be extended with their learning by being involved in Gifted and Enrichment programs offered by both St Paul’s and the Diocese as well as other enrichment opportunities through our extra-curricular program. Our Learning Support staff provide a wide range of assistance to students to enable them to engage with their studies and peers. The College believes all students can be successful learners who can achieve growth in their learning every year by working in partnership with their teacher.

The curriculum is delivered in a range of contemporary classrooms which promotes the development of collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. Furthermore, in recent years the College opened new Trade Training facilities in the areas of Construction and Hospitality, which includes a Function Centre. These facilities reflect our innovative approach to education and the teachers approach to incorporate modern teaching strategies to support the student’s engagement with their learning.

St Paul’s has a strong connection to the local Indigenous community as well as having an active Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student representative group who lead initiatives to celebrate their cultural identity. The Indigenous students are greatly supported with their academic and culture endeavours by our Aboriginal Education Liaison Officers.

The College offers a comprehensive extra-curricular program with sports pathways through to state and national competitions. In addition, there are many opportunities for students to participate in Creative and Performing Arts activities at a school and diocesan level. The focus of education at St Paul’s is the whole child and our students are provided with opportunities to enable them to grow and develop their gifts and talents in a nurturing and supportive environment.

 

The College is proud of its students and achievements, we are grateful for the feedback we have received from our community members and are happy to share with you...

 

“St Paul’s is a place of acceptance for all, I love how students and our needs are always a priority.” (student)

 

“St Paul’s has a great sense of community, where students are supported by staff to achieve to their potential.” (student)

 

“For us as a family, the unlimited information available to us, has helped transition our daughter to a much larger school.” (parent)

 

“I have always felt that the staff have my children’s wellbeing at heart, a very supportive and encouraging environment.” (parent)

 

“What sets St Paul’s apart for our family is that my children feel a strong sense of community. An inclusive and caring environment where the focus is not only on receiving a great education but of taking the opportunity to give to others.” (parent)

 

The College is committed to delivering a high-quality Catholic education which allows students to develop spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically. We look forward to welcoming you to our St Paul’s community and invite you to contact us and experience all that we have to offer.

 

Nicholas Wickham

Principal