A Century of Growth, Grounded in Faith
In 2025, St Catherine’s Catholic College celebrates a remarkable milestone—100 years of Catholic education in Proserpine. Founded in 1925 as ‘Our Lady’s Convent School,’ it began as a modest timber classroom beside the Convent on Marathon Street, welcoming 60 students under the care of four devoted Sisters of Mercy. Life was simple—electricity wasn’t connected until the 1930s, and students played marbles, hopscotch, and built cubby houses in the grass.
Through storms and triumphs, the school steadily grew. A brick building replaced the original in 1961, and by the 1980s and ’90s, new facilities such as libraries, shelter sheds, and a school bus signalled a vibrant, expanding community. The transition from religious to lay staff began in 1962 and was completed by 1988, marking a new era while holding fast to the school’s founding values.
A new chapter began in 2012 with the opening of the Renwick Road campus, followed by the introduction of secondary education in 2013. By 2017, the College proudly celebrated its first Year 12 graduating class and welcomed kindergarten students, completing its evolution into a Prep to Year 12 college.
Today, St Catherine’s is home to 728 students, still guided by the Mercy tradition of faith, hope and love. As it honours the past and looks to the future, the heart of St Catherine’s remains unchanged—a community where every student is nurtured, valued, and inspired to flourish.
Nurturing Young Minds
At St Catherine’s Catholic College, students from Prep to Year 12 are nurtured academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally in a supportive and inclusive environment. The Mercy Precinct, dedicated to Prep–Year 2, features spacious classrooms and engaging outdoor spaces that encourage creativity and exploration.
Early learning focuses on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy through structured lessons in a warm, welcoming setting. Teachers use the Visible Learning Framework and regular diagnostic assessments to tailor learning for every child.
Technology is seamlessly integrated, with 1:1 devices and Google Apps for Education fostering collaboration and responsible digital engagement. A Chromebook program for Years 4–6 further supports independent learning.
St Catherine’s values strong family partnerships. Parents are actively involved through classroom support, assemblies, newsletters, and expert-led information sessions. Physical development is also a priority, with weekly gross motor programs complementing academic growth.
With a proud heritage rooted in the Sisters of Mercy, St Catherine’s is a place where every child is seen, heard and supported to thrive—in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.
Progressing with Purpose
In Years 3–6, students at St Catherine’s Catholic College continue to grow academically, personally, and emotionally in a nurturing, values-led environment. Guided by the philosophy of educating the whole child—head, heart and hands—teachers support students with care and high expectations.
Literacy and numeracy remain central, while specialist subjects such as music, visual arts, Indonesian, drama, and physical education enrich the curriculum. Early intervention programs ensure each child receives the support they need to thrive.
Technology is embedded through the 1:1 laptop program and hands-on learning in robotics and coding, helping students develop confidence and digital literacy.
Beyond the classroom, students embrace leadership opportunities, inter-school sport, arts and literacy festivals, and social justice projects. Camps, retreats, and homework support further enhance the experience.
With a focus on excellence and a caring culture, St Catherine’s prepares students to become capable, confident learners, ready to embrace the challenges of secondary school.
Unlocking Potential
Secondary (Years 7–12) offers a vibrant, supportive environment where students are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
In Years 7–9, students explore a broad curriculum including English, Maths, Science, Humanities, and enriching electives like drama, music, media, visual arts, and digital technologies. A rotating schedule allows them to discover interests and build a diverse skill set. Meanwhile the Inclusive Education team provides personalised support for those needing additional assistance.
The innovative 9@StCaths program supports Year 9 students through themed, hands-on learning experiences. From confidence-building and entrepreneurship to leadership and global awareness, this program bridges the junior-senior transition with purpose.
In Years 10–12, students choose from general, applied, and VET subjects, with opportunities for work experience and school-based apprenticeships. A dedicated Careers Coordinator helps students plan pathways to university, further study, or the workforce.
Grounded in gospel values and committed to pastoral care, St Catherine’s fosters strong partnerships with families. With individualised support and diverse opportunities, students are prepared not just for academic success—but for a purposeful and fulfilling future.
