Nazareth College was established in 1986 to serve the parishes of St Gerard’s North Dandenong, St Elizabeth’s Noble Park North, St Simon’s Rowville and St Justin’s Wheelers Hill. For two decades, Nazareth College’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence has drawn students to the school. At Nazareth College, quality education is embedded in a values system, guided by faith and family. The college’s multicultural faith community draws on a richness of tradition and diversity, and treasures the contribution of each member. Nazareth College has highly qualified staff and excellent facilities, enabling them to achieve learning outcomes of which they are justly proud. A broad curriculum provides opportunities for student choice and relevant learning pathways. The college’s partnership with their feeder primary schools and parishes means that combined they offer families quality P–12 Catholic education.
Facilities: Nazareth College’s facilities include a large sports and performing arts centre with provision for gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis, hockey and badminton, in addition to drama and dance spaces and a performance stage. Outdoors are four modern courts and playing fields. Specialist classrooms in science, technology and the arts feature the integration of computer technology and the technology rich Years 7 to 8 block provides access to students to the most up-to-date learning environment. The extensive use of electronic whiteboards ensures that the teaching and learning utilise the most advanced and up-to-date technology available throughout much of the school.
Curriculum: A challenging and comprehensive curriculum in the Middle School ensures that students are able to consolidate and extend numeracy and literacy skills while experiencing subjects across all domains. An alternative Year 9 program ensures students are engaged in their learning with an emphasis on “real-life” learning, which encourages active involvement of the students. In the Senior School, the career adviser ensures that individual student pathways are developed including VET, VCAL and VCE studies. Throughout the Middle and Senior School, high achievers have ample opportunity to participate in a range of extension and acceleration activities.
Extra-curricular activities: From debating to chess, choir to soccer and orchestra to netball, the range of activities incorporating more than 14 sports, numerous clubs and wide-ranging performing arts programs, allows every student to find his or her own special place. These challenges and engaging activities enhance self-confidence and develop mutual respect among students.
Student welfare programs: The welfare of students socially, spiritually, academically and emotionally is paramount to the school ethos. Students are encouraged to feel that they matter and they have something to offer the community through programs such as the Christian Education for Personal Development course. There is a home-room system and clearly defined school regulations and discipline structures. There is a range of policies in place to ensure students feel safe and welcome, including policies on bullying and harassment, gender equity and drug education. A student counsellor and first-aid assistant also ensure that psychological, emotional and physical needs are met promptly.