Mater Christi College

Mater Christi is a girls' college that was founded in Sydney in 1857. Its opening occurred after Australia's first Archbishop, John Polding, decided to create an order of religious women, the first in Australia. It is a Catholic girls school located in the shire of yarra ranges.

== Mater Christi College Belgrave ==

History

In Sydney 1857 The Catholic order of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan was founded after Australia’s first Catholic Archbishop, John Bede Polding, made a decision to establish a new congregation of religious women. The new congregation would be the first to be founded on Australian soil.

Mater Christi College was established in 1963 overlooking Belgrave. The college is situated on a mountain landscape in the Dandenong ranges.

A good reputation and a rapidly growing population in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne saw Mater Christi College grow far beyond its founder’s imagination. There are more than 1000 girls enrolled in Mater Christi College today including students from several Asia- Pacific countries.

Facilities

Mater Christi College is situated in Belgrave and the buildings on campus are designed to take full advantage of Beautiful green hills and brilliant scenery. The buildings are modern and well maintained.

The facilities at Mater Christi College include: Science and computer laboratories

A library and on-line library Chapel

State-of-the-art multimedia laboratory

Photography and ceramic rooms

Technology (textiles) centre

Two indoor halls with full sized basketball courts

Maths task centre

An outdoor track and field training area

Industry standard hospitality/ food technology centres

And over 250 fully networked computers.

Uniform

A new uniform was introduced in 2005 and all students by 2010 will be wearing it.

The old uniform consists of a green summer dress and the winter uniform consists of a white shirt and a green winter skirt. The sports uniform consists of black tracksuit pants, a t-shirt and a rugby jumper. An extra piece of the uniform is a wool jacket for winter and a college blazer.

The new uniform is blue and orange. The summer uniform consists of a blue dress or a blue shirt with a skirt. The winter uniform consists of a blue winter skirt and shirt or blue pin stripped pants with a shirt. The sport uniform consists of blue tracksuit pants or shorts, a t- shirts and a jacket. A hat is also available for outdoor P.E classes. A blue blazer is available but not compulsory.

Black leather shoes and white socks are worn with the summer uniform and blue tights may be worn with the winter uniform.

Mission Statement: Mater Christi College is a Catholic girls' secondary school, which takes its direction from the person and message of Christ as proclaimed in the gospels. It has a caring, Christian atmosphere and is a beautiful place for girls to learn. The College respects the traditions and spirit of its founders, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, and strives to be organisationally and educationally innovative to meet the challenge of a rapidly changing society. Mater Christi aims to develop compassionate woman of faith who will take part freely and creatively in the affairs of society.

Curriculum Mater Christi offers a range of subjects to suit students with diverse interests and abilities. The Curriculum structure is designed so that students undertake studies from all areas of learning at Years 7 to 10. Students are then able to select from a wide range of VCE Units.

A curriculum guide is produced each year and distributed to the girls in August. The guide provides a general introduction to the courses of study offered by the College, and information to assist in subject selection.

The subject Expo Day is scheduled early term 3 to provide students and families with the chance to talk with a range of teachers about subject choice for the following year. Seminars, displays, and interviews with Home Group Teachers provide an excellent resource for important decisions. Students moving into year 9 and year 11 have particularly significant decisions and their attendance at the Expo is compulsory. International Program:

Since 1989 a successful International program has operated and welcomes students from all cultural backgraounds.

Students are challenged to realise their full potentials and are encouraged to strive for their personal best.

Mater Christi has extensive experience in supporting International Students with: • An on-campus English and Preparation Program • On-campus Boarding House Accommodation • Extensive Academic and Welfare Support

Most international students continue their studies at the many fine Universities in Melbourne.

Boarding house: Mater Christi House provides a safe and friendly home environment for International Students. The staff is committed to creating a caring community where each student's individuality and culture is valued. Mater Christi House is the ideal environment for students seeking success in their studies. • Located on the school grounds • Internet and phone connections in every room • Specialized tutoring and supervised study • Open fro 46 weeks of the year including all term vacations • tariff is inclusive of accommodation, three meals a day and snacks and all bedding • twin bedrooms furnished with bunk beds, study desks, lamps and private lockable wardrobes • some single rooms for senior students

All international students are placed in Mater Christi House. A College approved Homestay placement will be organised when no places are available in the Boarding House.

External links

• Mater Christi College Official Website