St Mary’s College has proudly launched its new Vision for Learning: Encounter, Engagement and Excellence, marking a significant milestone in the College’s commitment to providing exceptional Catholic education in the Kimberley.
More than a strategic framework, the Vision for Learning represents a shared commitment to nurturing every student’s spiritual, academic, social and emotional growth. Developed through extensive consultation with students, staff, families and community members over the past three years, the vision captures what learning at our College looks and feels like from Little Saints Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12.
Principal Coby Rhatigan said the vision reflects both the aspirations of the College community and the unique identity of St Mary’s College. ‘This vision honours our Catholic identity, celebrates our Kimberley context and provides a clear direction for teaching and learning into the future. It reflects our belief that every student is known, valued, challenged and supported to succeed at our place.’
Grounded in the Catholic Education Western Australia Vision for Learning, the St Mary’s framework embraces the three interconnected pillars of Encounter, Engagement and Excellence, bringing to life the College’s mission within its unique Broome and Kimberley setting.
Encounter: Listening Deeply, Together in Faith
At the heart of the vision is Encounter, which reflects the College’s commitment to faith, relationships and understanding.
Students are encouraged to encounter God, self, others and creation through prayer, reflection and meaningful learning experiences. The vision also acknowledges the importance of First Nations perspectives, spirituality and ways of knowing, creating opportunities for students to learn through storytelling, dialogue and cultural experiences.
By fostering empathy, dignity and respect, St Mary’s continues to strengthen its commitment to reconciliation, service and community.
Engagement: Connected Hearts, Active Learners
The second pillar, Engagement, recognises that learning flourishes when students feel connected, valued and empowered.
Through welcoming and inclusive learning environments, St Mary’s seeks to ensure that every student develops a strong sense of belonging. Partnerships between students, families, educators and the broader community remain central to creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, participation and leadership.
The College celebrates the diversity of its community and recognises that strong relationships are essential for student success.
Excellence: Challenged to Grow, Supported to Succeed
The third pillar, Excellence, reflects the College’s commitment to high expectations and continuous improvement.
Through evidence-informed teaching practices, targeted feedback and personalised support, students are encouraged to strive for their personal best. Excellence at St Mary’s is not measured solely through achievement, but through growth, perseverance, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning. Every learner is challenged to reach their potential while being supported on their individual journey.
A Vision Brought to Life
The launch of the Vision for Learning represents more than the unveiling of a new framework, it is `the St Mary’s Way’. It provides a common language that will guide classroom practice, curriculum design, professional learning and partnerships with families for years to come.
Inspired by CEWA’s Learning Vision and grounded in the College’s core values of Courage, Love, Empathy, Acceptance and Resilience, the framework reflects the St Mary’s belief that education transforms lives and strengthens communities.
Importantly, the vision acknowledges the rich cultures, histories and relationships that make Broome and the Kimberley such a special place to learn and grow.
As the College community embarks on this new chapter, students, staff and families are invited to embrace the vision and continue working together to bring it to life every day.
Together, St Mary’s College will continue to foster learning that is grounded in Encounter, strengthened through Engagement, and driven by Excellence.
