Principal’s Welcome

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
Welcome to Bunbury Catholic College, a leading educator in the South West region of Western Australia. The College offers a supportive and inclusive educational environment for students in Years 7-12. Like St Marcellin Champagnat, our College Patron, the College shares in the aspirations of all parents to see their children achieve their full potential, while learning in classrooms that are welcoming and safe. We are proud to be a part of your child’s educational journey, whether your family is joining the College for the first time in 2024, or you are a returning family, well versed in the many aspects that make the College such a special part of the Bunbury community.
As the College Principal, I wish to acknowledge what a privilege it is to lead our College community, and I look forward to the opportunity to share our story, our Marist charism and the achievements of our students with you, throughout the year.

Our Story
The College, and Catholic education, has a rich history in Bunbury, due to the influence of both the Mercy Sisters and the Marist Brothers, who came to Bunbury to provide a holistic education for all young people, an education underpinned by Gospel values.
The amalgamation in 1973 of St Francis Xavier College, operated by the Marist Brothers and St Joseph’s School, established by the Mercy Order, resulted in the establishment of Bunbury Catholic College, on our current site.
From 2015-2019, Bunbury Catholic College operated on two separate campuses, with the second campus situated in nearby Australind. In 2020, Our Lady of Mercy College, (Australind), became a College in its own right, while Bunbury Catholic College continued to serve the Bunbury community.
It was at this point that the College, through a process of discernment, became a single charism school, in the Marist tradition, while pledging to always honour our Mercy heritage. This was a momentous undertaking for the College, an undertaking that continues to strengthen each year, one that informs our educational philosophy and guides our pursuit of excellence.


The Marist Charism

As a College in the Marist tradition, it is important to understand what the five characteristics that underpin the charism ask of us, as a community.
Simplicity reminds us to focus on what truly matters and to appreciate the beauty in the uncomplicated. Presence asks us to be fully engaged and mindful in every task, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. A spirit of family urges us to treat one another with kindness and understanding, while a love of work encourages each one of us to create a supportive and nurturing work environment, always in the way of Mary, our Good Mother.
The Marist Theme for 2024 is First Light so expect to hear more about this very evocative theme throughout the year.

College Priorities

Catholic Identity
The College was established as a systemic Catholic school, to provide an education for all students in the Bunbury region. Central to a Catholic education is that it be child-centred, and Christ-focused.
At Bunbury Catholic College we take pride in ensuring that we remain true not only to this vision, but also that we actively embrace the sentiments of our motto “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.”
(Micah 6:8).

Academic Excellence, within a diverse learning environment
There is something for everyone at Bunbury Catholic College. We offer a broad selection of programs in all areas, including a range of Academic subjects, Creative and Design Technologies, Drama, Dance and Sports.
The College offers specialist programs such as The Elite Sports Program and the ACES program, for those who enjoy academic rigour. Our students also have a range of before and after school co-curricular activities, as well as the opportunity to undertake cultural exchange programs to Italy or Indonesia. This diversity of learning experiences allows students to excel, both in the classroom, and beyond.

Pastoral Care
Bunbury Catholic College prides itself on its pastoral care, specifically nurturing each individual, while providing a complete educational experience for all students. The College is committed to ensuring our students have the skills necessary to tackle the challenges of an ever-changing world.
To this end, the students encounter The Resilience Project GEM principles each day, receive training in Teen Mental Health First Aid and in the latter part of 2024, the College will begin implementing the Berry Street Education Model, to support student and staff wellbeing.

Community Engagement
The spirit of community and goodwill is strong at Bunbury Catholic College. The College believes positive relationships are key to creating a successful school, one where the partnership between parents, staff and students is paramount. We have opportunities for parents to contribute, as their circumstances allow.
Serving on the College Advisory Council, joining the P&F or volunteering to assist with the various activities at the College, are all perfect opportunities to be a part of your child’s chosen education destination. The staff and I look forward to meeting all our families, in whatever capacity suits your family.

One again, I extend a warm welcome to all new families, as they become part of our College community, and thank the returning families for their continued support. It is my hope that 2024 will be filled with success, a year where each person is able to make memories that both enrich and enliven our lives along the way.

God bless.

Deborah Garbutt
Principal

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