ST ANNE’S COLLEGE NURTURES CURIOUS LEARNERS THROUGH A RESPECT FOR INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND A COLLABORATIVE, INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT.
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At St Anne’s College, Deputy Principal Kate McGrath embodies the school’s vision of nurturing students who are engaged, curious and respectful of Indigenous culture.
Since the college’s inception in 2019, Kate has been integral to its development, first as a Foundation teacher and later stepping into the deputy principal role in 2021.
“I always knew this was going to be the place for me after initial conversations with the school’s founding leaders at that time,” Kate said.
“They described a hub for young people to grow, learn and engage with their community, and the open plan design resonated with my pedagogical practice, allowing for a flexible and adaptive learning environment.”
The architectural vision for the college reflects an educational philosophy centred around the curious learner.
“We wanted to create a space that encourages exploration and adaptability,” she said.
“The open spaces and versatile furniture are intentional choices aimed at fostering creativity and collaboration among students.”
This versatility is evident in the design of areas where children can engage in different activities, promoting the idea that they are all confident and capable of sharing their ideas.
“No matter how little you are, you can contribute to good things,” Kate said.
In addition to the architectural vision, St Anne’s College actively involved students in the design process.
“From the very beginning, we sought input from our students,” she said.
“We held workshops where they could share their ideas about what learning environments would inspire them.”
This collaborative approach not only fostered a sense of ownership among the students, but also ensured the school reflects their needs and aspirations.
The students contributed to discussions about the types of spaces they would find engaging — whether it was areas for group work, quiet zones for reflection or creative spaces for the arts.
Their voices were integral in shaping the environments where they now learn and grow.
A significant aspect of St Anne’s identity is its commitment to respecting the Yorta Yorta culture, as reflected in the school’s design and values.
As does a turtle shell symbolise protection, each building serves as a nurturing environment for students.
“Just as the turtle shell protects the turtle, our school aims to nurture and safeguard the growth of every child,” Kate said.
“This nurturing history is closely tied to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, emphasising the importance of wisdom and care in education.”
The architectural design also draws inspiration from the local landscape, with design aspects that represent the Goulburn and Broken Rivers.
“When we were designing the building, we wanted to incorporate elements that resonate with our community,” she said.
“The rivers symbolise life and connection, much like how we strive to connect our students with their heritage and environment.”
Inside the school, Indigenous culture is also woven into the curriculum.
Students engage with their heritage through projects and activities that highlight local history and traditions.
“When students start Year 7, we encourage them to explore the stories and significance of our surroundings. It’s about building respect and understanding,” Kate said.
Kate’s own journey with St Anne’s has been transformative.
Transitioning from a teaching role to deputy principal presented unique challenges, particularly in an establishing school.
“There’s no handbook for this role,” she admitted.
“Every day brings new experiences, and I’ve had to adapt and review our practices as we grow.”
In this reflective journey, Kate acknowledged that “everything is about the journey, and we’re always working towards something … learning and reviewing along the way is really, really good.”
Looking ahead, Kate is excited about the future growth of St Anne’s.
“We’re in the process of expanding our facilities, which will allow us to offer even more to our students,” she said.
“It’s about creating a space where every child feels valued and capable of contributing.”
St Anne’s College is more than a school; it is a nurturing environment that honours its roots while embracing the future.
“Our aim is to create an environment where every child can shine and contribute, ensuring their journey is not just about education, but about becoming compassionate, engaged members of our community,” she said.