History:
St Macartan鈥檚 School is in the Parish of Mornington. The school was established in 1898, with the Sisters of Mercy establishing a college for girls. Its history was varied until 1968, when the Parish established a primary school. It was located overlooking Port Phillip Bay in the heart of Mornington, 700 metres from the parish church. With ever-increasing enrolments, the need for an alternative, larger site was sought. A vacant 10 acre site was purchased at 97 Bungower Road in 2006 and the Tanti Avenue grounds sold in 2008. The newly built St Macartan's Parish Primary School was opened on 20 April, 2009.
Description:
St Macartan鈥檚 School relocation enabled the development of a sustainable school with a contemporary design. The learning environment sits with in a natural setting. The School presently has specifically designed educational zones: Learning Pods for each junior, middle and senior levels, an Italian room, a Discovery Centre with STEM facilities, a Creative Arts Studio, a Hall, Sacred Space/Chapel, a Sustainability Centre with produce garden, kitchen and livestock, Outside Play & Learning Spaces and an Administration area. Each zone is fully supplied with the latest resources, equipment and storage areas to enable a contemporary learning approach.
Enrolment is approximately 535 students, promoting a fabulous sense of community. There are three classes of each level Foundation to Year 6.
Specialists work in the areas of The Arts, both Performing (dance music drama) and Visual, LOTE (Italian), Physical Education, Literacy and STEM. Together with a STEM lab, each classroom has a bank of networked computers the latest technology in touchscreens with the junior classes also using iPads to provide an ICT learning experience for students.
Features:
A sacred space established with in the school has helped to strengthen the link between parish and school. The school enjoys a vital and visible role within the parish community. It is very important that parents and staff ensure our students participate in the life of the St Macartan鈥檚 Parish. Throughout the year they are invited to promote and support various special celebrations and events.
The strongest feature of the school is its sustainability programs evident as a 5 star rating has been achieved ten consecutive years. The school built with the future in mind ensures the children are educated in all areas of the curriculum and also taught the importance of looking after our planet for future generations.
St Macartan鈥檚 wellbeing programs is also a feature of the school with programs designed to ensure all children鈥檚 needs are best catered for. A Student Wellbeing Team, Counsellor, a Student Representative Council (SRC), Grief Counselling and a Positive Behaviour Support Program are all features of the school鈥檚 pastoral approach. The school aims to have 100% involvement of families in the life of the school community. The wellbeing of individuals is supported through the curriculum, resources and initiatives such as Respectful Relationships, 'Healthy Eating, Healthy Body and Mind', 鈥楤e You鈥� and mindfulness skills. St Macartan鈥檚 welcomes volunteers to engaged in work in the areas of gardening, writing, reading, chess, cooking, woodwork and maths.
A strong, open and welcoming school community is evident at St Macartan鈥檚 School where there is a friendly, family atmosphere with high parent participation.