A Catholic Co-educational Years 7-12 College established in 2008

KolbeC A T H O L I C C O L L E G EGreenvale Lakes Catholic College

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Faith Courage Compassion

Catholic College

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OURAGE COMPASSION

The Legacy of St Maximilian Kolbe The College is named after St Maximilian Kolbe, whose legacy is one of heroism, courage and self-sacrifice and a beacon of hope for the future. St Maximilian Kolbe’s life as a priest in Poland, and his death whereby he offered his life in place of another who’d been condemned to death, inspires us to follow Jesus as he did. St Maximilian Kolbe was a man of our time, whose inspiration lives on in the modernity of Church and society.

The College motto - Faith, Courage, Compassion - encompasses his legacy and a vision to provide students with every opportunity to make the most of their lives by striving to be their very best and by serving others. Thus, we foster a joyous environment where all who learn, and all who teach, can expand their minds and hearts in pursuit of academic and personal excellence.

Kolbe Catholic College Kolbe Catholic College Greenvale Lakes is a Catholic, co-educational, secondary school for Years 7–12 students, serving the people of the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne. We are a recent chapter in the tradition of high quality education provided by the Archdiocese of Melbourne for over 160 years. Our first students were welcomed into Year 7 in 2008, with this pioneering group successfully graduating as the 2013 Year 12 class. The Catholic parishes in this region are Our Lady’s Parish of Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park, Good Shepherd Parish of Gladstone Park and Greenvale, and Holy Child Parish of Dallas and Meadow Heights. Six Catholic primary schools within these parishes feed into our College.

Kolbe Catholic College is determined to be an outstanding community of learning that aims to educate the whole child, integrating faith into all aspects of learning. The rich and authentic nature of the Kolbe learning experience equips students with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills so they can ‘dare to go further’ and enhance their discovery of self. The best in contemporary learning facilities and practice are applied at all levels including a 1:1 ICT device program, modern learning areas and a range of specially designed alternative programs.

Master planning has provided for state-of-the-art facilities for specialty subjects in Science, Arts and Technology. All these resources are complemented by the new Student Resource Centre, the Senior Curriculum building, the Performing Arts space and excellent sporting facilities, augmented through access to other local facilities.

Students in senior years are offered a diverse range of pathways, enabling them to pursue areas of interest and achieve success in their chosen field of study. Kolbe Catholic College strives to meet the needs of every individual, always delivering a curriculum that is contemporary, engaging and student-centred.

Our College is an integral part of the local and universal Church, a community of people sharing a common belief in the Gospel with its life centred on Jesus Christ. We welcome you to our community. Anthony Kirley Principal

. . . d a r e t o g o F u r t h e r a n d d i s C o v e r y o u r F u t u r e . . .

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Educating the Whole PersonAt Kolbe Catholic College we educate the whole person, integrating Faith into the life of our students so they can embrace Christian values and understand their relationship to service in the school and family, parish and local community, and when possible, the global community. Religious Education programs are compulsory in all year levels. The R.E. program includes Spirituality Days, Social Justice activities, House Liturgies, whole school Liturgies and other celebrations.

Journey In Faith The Religious Education Curriculum at Kolbe is based on the Archdiocese of Melbourne framework comprising lessons in key knowledge and understanding, reasoning and responding and personal and communal engagement. The aim of the curriculum is for students to learn the key teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church and gain an appreciation of other religions, allowing them to become spiritually enriched and explore their own journey in faith. As a Catholic community we strive to educate our students to live out the Gospel values as informed learners empowered to shape and enrich our world. Kolbe Catholic College students are inspired by the work and message of hope from our College patron, St Maximilian Kolbe, who was a true model of Jesus Christ.

The Franciscan charism of fully giving one’s spirit, in goodness, with compassion, gives further opportunities for students to reflect on their Christian way of life. Each student is assisted on their own personal ‘Journey in Faith’ and with the integration of that faith within the contemporary Australian culture and society in a variety of ways. They are encouraged to practise Christ’s ministry through discourse and education in religion, prayer and reflection, liturgy, charity, raising awareness of world issues, inter-faith dialogue, social justice and community action. A key part of the holistic development and deepening of faith for all students at Kolbe is their encounter with diverse spiritual experiences and the relationships with each other and with Christ that, as a consequence, spiritually nourishes them. We trust that our Faith Development program will lead every student to become confident, proud companions of the Kolbe legacy, in living their lives with faith, courage and compassion.

Pastoral Care and Personal Development The College fosters an environment which is safe, welcoming and conducive to learning. We ensure the wellbeing of all students and staff by nurturing positive relationships and the use of Restorative Practices as the means for prevention of, and intervention in, the management of behavioural issues. An effective, well-resourced vertical house system adds further support around the pastoral care and personal development programs serving the needs of adolescents through their stages of development. We are an accredited eSmart school. Learning Advisors (homeroom teachers), House Leaders, the Director of Student Wellbeing, College Counsellors and others in positions of leadership meet regularly for monitoring student progress and are available to assist students and families.

The College aims to:– promote excellence in learning– empower students with a set of values to integrate their schooling with their Catholic faith– be dynamic and relevant, providing imaginative scope and intellectual rigour– value all students equally and respond to their needs equitably– affirm students as persons of dignity and worth through an acknowledgment of their gifts and talents– acknowledge and cater for the diversity of ways in which people learn– emphasise the development of literacy and numeracy skills– respond creatively to the cultural and linguistic diversity within the Australian society which includes appropriate English language support Curriculum provision includes AusVELS core and elective subjects, VCE and VCAL programs, engaging alternative programs at Year 7 (Stepping Stones), Year 8 (Inquiring Minds Program), Year 9 (Leadership Enhancement Activity Day) and Year 10 (Pathways) and other personalised learning programs. Achievements are celebrated through the provision of certificates and awards at regular assemblies, at the annual Presentation Night, year level display evenings and at exhibitions and showcases.

Science Science at Kolbe Catholic College aims to nurture curiosity in the students and help them to understand the world around them. Students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, principles and ideas. They acquire and use skills of scientific investigation and reasoning and learn to communicate that understanding using appropriate scientific language. Students are provided with opportunities to interact with their natural and physical surroundings and develop Science inquiry skills through hands-on activities, practical work, excursions, incursions and fieldwork. Kolbe Catholic College boasts four state-of-the-art laboratories, fully equipped for both junior and senior classes. Students are also provided with opportunities to extend themselves to expand their understanding of Science through their voluntary participation in a range of co-curricular activities.

Mathematics Mathematics at Kolbe Catholic College emphasises the importance of developing essential knowledge and skills. The teaching of Mathematics is based upon the principles of Purposeful Teaching and with emphasis on assessments to provide teachers with information about each student’s mathematical understanding, so their instruction in classrooms can be personalised to maximize each student’s mathematical learning. The goal is to educate students to think and behave like mathematicians, so they develop the skills to independently and creatively investigate mathematical problems, work collaboratively with classmates, make conjectures, use technology in their analysis and communicate their findings.

Education Support Kolbe Catholic College offers a range of programs to meet the needs of all students including extra assistance in and out of class, small group work and specialised intervention. Additional support is provided for students experiencing learning difficulties or for those who have English as an Additional Language (EAL). For students who have difficulty in completing the set curriculum, consideration is given to a modified course of study. Students who excel are given the opportunity to extend themselves through external competitions, our alternative year level programs and individualised modules.

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English In English, students are offered a range of opportunities to study novels, films, poetry or newspaper articles, all of which support and enhance our current curriculum from Years 7 to 12. They are given the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in a range of ways, including written responses, oral presentations, wider reading and participation in rich class discussions. Teachers are encouraged to be innovative in their classrooms to engage students in their work, furthering their skills in the areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Languages Students at Kolbe Catholic College study Italian. The ability to speak more than one language is an important asset in our modern society and is an experience valued throughout the Kolbe Catholic College community. Studying languages trains different areas of the brain, encouraging new understandings, critical thinking and appreciation of culture. Students are offered a range of opportunities to enhance their learning of the Italian language and culture. This includes lessons enhanced via technology and multimedia facilities, participation in an ongoing exchange program with a school in Italy and our annual College Languages Week.

Humanities The Humanities curriculum at Kolbe Catholic College involves the comprehensive study of History, Geography, Commerce, Legal Studies, Accounting, Business Management and Economics. Students undertake the study of human societies and environments, the people and their cultures in the past and the present. The Humanities curriculum builds on key ideas and concepts that enable students to understand the ways in which people and societies have organised their world under particular conditions and made meaning of it. Students are encouraged to use research skills and inquiry processes. They analyse a range of sources such as photographs, maps and artifacts to draw their own conclusions. The Humanities curriculum filters through to VCE and VET, providing students with a range of pathways to pursue options of choice.

Pathways and Careers Kolbe Catholic College is committed to providing students with a comprehensive career development program to assist individuals with career planning.

In the Junior School Years (The Discovering and Exploring Stages) students are introduced to pathways advice so they can discover and explore work options and begin to use work related vocabulary.

In the Middle School Years (The Focusing and Planning Stages) students begin to focus on careers they may have an interest in and start planning how they can achieve employment in these fields.

In the Senior School Years (The Deciding and Applying Stages) students make informed decisions about possible future transitions. This is done through Course Counselling, Subject Selection Sessions and Tertiary/Employer Forums.

VCE The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) program is one of the many options available for senior students at Kolbe Catholic College. The College offers a wide range of VCE disciplines, enabling each individual to establish a senior program that is tailor-made to suit his or her needs and interests as they prepare to pursue their future pathway of choice. The wide range of subjects available and the ability for students to incorporate elements such as VET subjects and School Based Apprenticeships into their programs enables VCE to be a personalised experience for all involved.

The VCE program is complemented by a state-of-the-art senior learning area, contemporary study spaces and strategically designed learning environments that support specialist subject requirements and enable students to engage in authentic learning experiences. VCE students are involved in specialist subject selection mentoring and have the opportunity to participate in a Master Class program that covers themes related to vocational pathways, academic excellence and personal wellbeing. Each of these initiatives aims to offer additional support to enable VCE students to achieve their very best.

VCAL The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program at Kolbe Catholic College provides students with practical, work-related experiences, as well as equipping students with literacy and numeracy skills and personal skills that enable them to be active and informed citizens in the world of the future. Like the VCE, the VCAL is a recognised senior secondary qualification.

VCAL’s flexibility enables students to undertake a program that suits their interests and learning needs. Fully accredited modules and units are selected over the following four compulsory strands:– Literacy and Numeracy Skills– Work Related Skills– Industry Specific Skills – Personal Development Skills

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Information Communication Technology The learning process is enhanced by exposure and access to Information and Communication Technologies. Technology is integrated into the curriculum to enable deeper learning and to provide students with the necessary skills to be active participants in a digital world.

Technology is used at Kolbe Catholic College as a tool to transform the learning experience of each and every individual. Access to personal devices as well as a range of on site tools redefines the learning experience, extending learning beyond the boundaries of the physical classroom. The meaningful use of digital mixers, 3D printers, tablets, laptops, interactive whiteboards and a range of other ICT tools equips students with an additional skill set and enables learning to occur on a global platform.

Technology Facilities In the modern day classroom technology plays an important role in the development of adolescents. At Kolbe Catholic College students have the opportunity to thrive in a range of practical settings, which allows them to develop life-long skills. They are continually challenged to utilise their problem solving skills by researching, analysing and following processes which incorporate design, creativity and production. Through the development of a strong curriculum by a team of dedicated teachers and support staff, the students at Kolbe Catholic College experience a range of authentic opportunities, enabling them to develop ICT, computer design, culinary and trade skills.

These opportunities and skills are complemented by high quality learning environments such as the Woodwork rooms, Food Technology specialist rooms and Systems Engineering and Robotics workspaces. Each environment has been strategically designed to suit the needs and interests of the contemporary learner, aiming to enhance student knowledge, understanding and skill. Providing students with access to the best apparatus, tools and design programs, these environments ensure individuals graduate with the experience and skill set necessary to make them industry experts.

Materials Technology – Wood is studied by all students in Year 7, is an elective in Years 9 & 10 and offered as a VCE subject. Materials Technology – Food is studied by all students in Year 8, is also offered as electives in Years 9 & 10 and as a VCE subject. ICT and Robotics electives are also offered in Years 9 & 10, leading into VCE subjects. By offering this breadth of choice and rigour, opportunities exist at Kolbe to prepare students for a range of career pathways in the 21st century via experiencing the various technology facilities at the College and providing them with the necessary skills that they may use in their adult life in the workforce and in modern society.

Visual Arts The Visual Arts Program at Kolbe Catholic College is designed to allow each child to extend their skills and understanding. The learning that occurs within the Arts is visually and spatially based, allowing students to explore their personal learning strengths and achieve success in a range of activities. At Years 7 & 8, Visual Arts is a part of the core learning schedule. In Years 9 & 10, students have the opportunity to specialise through participation in a wide range of electives including Multimedia, Painting, Photography and Visual Communication Design. At VCE, students are able to undertake Media Studies, Studio Arts and Visual Communication and Design across Units 1 to 4.

The annual Visual Arts Exhibition of VCE projects, held in October/November, is a significant highlight for the College and the local community, as works of quality and creativity truly exhibit the talents of the students.

Performing Arts Learning in the Performing Arts prepares students for life-long creative involvement, building their confidence in presenting and performing for others. Through the study of Drama, Music and Dance, students learn how to express themselves artistically and to communicate their emotions. As 21st century performers, they also learn how to produce works digitally and how to record their works using a range of technologies. Students explore and review past and contemporary works as a means of inspiration while tapping into culture and community expression. In state-of-the-art and purpose-built rooms, students in Years 7 & 8 undertake foundational learning while students from Year 9 onwards undertake more personalised learning through semester-based electives and year long senior courses.

The latest development stage of the College has seen the introduction of specialist Dance, Drama, Music and Digital Music spaces. These spaces include band and music tuition rooms, a professional dance studio, a recording studio and a range of contemporary performance spaces.

The College Stadium is fitted with specialist lighting and sound systems. These resources are complemented by the magnificent adjoining stage area of significant size, providing performance area, curtains and ICT projection, side storage and dressing rooms.

Events such as the College Musical Production, annual performance evenings and external competitions – all held on stage in the Stadium - take performance to the next level, providing the opportunity for students of all skill sets to be involved both on stage and behind the scenes on a technical level.

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A Wealth of Experiences An extensive range of co-curricular subjects, programs and activities is provided to support and expand the central academic curriculum, to enhance learning and to allow students to experience diversity, creating interest and motivation.

We value all students equally. We work towards providing learning experiences and deliberations relevant to their age, gender, interests, stages of personal development and in response to the challenges students may encounter in adolescent life.

Our programs affirm students, acknowledge their gifts and talents and cater for the diversity of ways in which they learn.

Overnight activities include camps in Years 7 & 9 and the R.E Retreat in Year 11. Spirituality Days and Student Wellbeing Days are held for every year level. The LOTE trip to Italy is scheduled every two years with the sister school in Italy visiting Kolbe in the alternative year.

Year 8 Inquiring Minds Program (IMP)Throughout IMP, students build resilience, self-confidence and responsibility through a number of workshops. Students are involved in inquiry-based programs involving self-awareness and initiative-based options. The Rock and Water element incorporates Martial Arts skills and dispositions. In elective classes, students develop different skills and talents in a diverse range of settings. The Personal Training component of the course focuses on the development of the individual and on building student knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to current adolescent issues and trends. Year 9 Learning Enhancement Activity Day (LEAD) Learning Enhancement Activity Day (LEAD) is a specialised Year 9 program that promotes deep engagement and authentic learning by giving students opportunities to engage in real life experiences and responsibilities. The LEAD Program has direct connections between the classroom and real-life, giving students the ability to apply their knowledge in different contexts. LEAD provides a platform for individual growth, teamwork and relationship building.

Examples of other opportunities include:– thematic subject weeks (e.g. LOTE, Forensic Science, Health)– subject based and year level excursions– visiting speakers– lunchtime activities– clubs for drama, sports, arts, homework– choir– academic competitions– displays, exhibitions.

Participation in community service is scheduled in Years 10 & 11.

Facilities Kolbe’s physical education and sports facilities are extensive. The indoor stadium incorporates two basketball courts and has line markings for netball, volleyball and badminton courts. Outdoor facilities include four tiger turf basketball courts and the main synthetic surfaced oval which has a six-lane running track.

The College is in close proximity to many other local facilities at Craigieburn and Broadmeadows which are all accessed regularly. Extensive sport and recreational facilities are being developed for the local community in Greenvale Lakes and all will be within walking distance from the College.

Health – Physical Education – Sport Health & Physical Education classes, year level sport programs and inter-house carnivals for Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country provide opportunities for students to develop personal skills and fitness within the framework of healthy competition.

The College is a member of the Sports Association Catholic Co-educational Secondary Schools. Students can participate in a range of inter-school sporting activities, including athletics, swimming, cross country, cricket, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, netball, tennis and golf. The SACCSS premier league operates at Years 7 – 10. SACCSS Senior sport days are held for Years 11 & 12.

The aim of the Health and Physical Education curriculum is to promote the value of physical activity in students’ lives. It gives pupils the opportunity to practise ways of working with others to adopt and maintain a healthy, productive and active lifestyle. At Kolbe the Health and Physical Education curriculum encourages students to be physically active people for life. Students learn through challenging and enjoyable movement experiences, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence in a variety of contexts.

A wide range of subjects and electives is provided across year levels, including pathways to VCE P.E. and VCE Health and Human Development. In the HPE junior and middle school programs, the focus is on theory, participation and developing practical skills in game situations. Areas studied include fitness and exercise, the science of the body and movement, nutrition, and skills associated with sports such as cricket, softball, survival swimming, netball, soccer, basketball, touch football, track and field and ten pin bowling.

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Lysterfield drive greenvale Lakes vic 3059 Po Box 480 Craigieburn vic 3064

Phone: (03) 8339 3060 Facsimile: (03) 8339 3059 Website: www.kolbecc.catholic.edu.au email: office@kolbecc.catholic.edu.au

eduCation - a Parent’s greatest giFt!Access to quality education is perhaps the greatest gift parents can give their children: • It is a gift which has the power to help your son or daughter realise their full potential as human beings• It is a gift which has the power to help them find their true niche in society• It is a gift which has the power to shape their lives and help them find fulfilment and happiness• It is a gift which has the power to make you, their parents, extremely proud and fulfilled as well• It is a gift which should be selected with much thought and great care• It is a gift you will find at Kolbe Catholic College.

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KolbeC AT H O L I C C O L L E G EGreenvale Lakes