MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Mission
With Christ as our light, in the spirit of blessed Edmund Rice and Catherine McAuley, through education, service and compassion, we aim to bring to life God’s Kingdom on earth.

Vision
St Paul’s College was founded upon the Gospel teachings of respect, equality, justice and peace, and incorporates a pastoral care system, which exists within a Catholic environment and ethos. We acknowledge that parents are the prime educators of their children, and recognise that we work in partnership with families to promote the development, learning and self-esteem of our students.

We actively promote the development of the whole person, recognising the worth of each student and allowing them to aim for personal excellence in a safe and supportive environment. Students are encouraged to develop a responsible attitude and desire to learn. We emphasise leadership, responsibility, service and the dignity of the individual.

St Paul’s College fosters the Catholic tradition of active involvement in the wider community. We promote celebrations which develop our sense of identity, sense of belonging and culture.

We believe that students graduating from St Paul’s will possess a strong sense of hope, resilience, sound values, generosity of spirit and an awareness of the importance of responsibility within their community and in relationships with others.

Values
We value:

  • The Catholic, Christian environment in which the teachings of Christ and Gospel values are embedded.
  • Liturgy and prayer as essential elements of our College life.
  • The dignity of the human person.
  • Partnerships between Diocesan, Parish and school communities in all aspects of student life.
  • The involvement of parents in the College community, recognising their role as prime educators.
  • The pursuit of educational and personal excellence in all aspects of life.
  • High quality teaching and high quality learning.
  • A sense of school spirit and identity as a community.
  • Structures that provide the greatest flexibility to cater for the needs of individual students.
  • A positive environment which emphasises Pastoral Care.

Frequently asked Questions

What does it mean that Catholic schools are “proudly Catholic”?

Catholic schools are communities built on the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the Church to share the Good News. Being “proudly Catholic” means our schools embrace a rich tradition of prayer, reflection, values, and service. This identity shapes the culture of our schools, how we teach, how we care for students, and how we work together as a community. We honour the legacy of those who came before us and continue to share the message of faith, hope, and love in all we do.

Are Catholic schools only for Catholic families?

No. Catholic schools warmly welcome all families who value a faith-based education. Whether you are Catholic, belong to another faith tradition, or have no religious background, you and your child are welcome in our school communities. All students are included in the full life of the school, including Religious Education and prayer experiences, and all families are respected, valued, and invited to take part in community life at a level that feels right for them.

What are Catholic schools expecting from families?

When families enrol in a Catholic school, they enter into a partnership that supports their child’s faith and life journey. Families support their child’s participation in school liturgies, retreats, and other moments of spiritual growth. For families of baptised children, this includes continuing their child’s sacramental journey. Above all, parents aspire to the values and worldview that shape Catholic education, one that forms the heart, mind, and spirit.

What if our family belongs to a different faith, or our child is not baptised?

That’s absolutely okay. We see enrolment as a privilege and a moment of welcome. Our schools honour each family’s story and beliefs. We do not seek to convert or impose our faith; instead, we offer a gentle invitation to explore the Catholic tradition through learning, reflection, and shared experiences. Students and families of all backgrounds are respected and included in the spiritual life of the school, in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to them.

What is the ultimate goal of Catholic education for our child?

Catholic education aims to nurture the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. Our hope is that every student, through their time in our schools, will encounter Jesus, experience a sense of belonging, and come to know the fullness of life He offers. We strive to help each child grow into a person of goodness, truth, compassion, and purpose, equipped not only for success in the world, but also to make a meaningful difference within it.