every interaction matters
Seek Christ We “Seek Christ” by working together to create a school community that is welcoming; where people care for each other, have a sense of unity and share common values based on the presence and teachings of Jesus. We are encouraged to seek Christ in our day to day dealings with others and this motto underpins our philosophy that every interaction matters.
Every interaction matters This places value on the purposeful relationships between all members of our College community and in turn helps every individual to feel valued, safe and connected.
In bringing this philosophy to life, all in our community are challenged to RISE to living out the College values of: Respect Inclusion Service Excellence
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I am pleased to be the Principal of Seton Catholic College as we present our new Strategic Plan: Rise Together Towards 2024. As our previous Strategic Plan comes to a close, we take pause to recall the foundations of the school and the message of our patron, Saint Elizabeth Seton, to keep moving forward knowing that “perseverance is a great grace”. Seton Catholic College is a thriving community founded on Catholic values, exceptional teaching and a myriad of learning opportunities opportunities that enable each child to flourish in today’s modern global community. In developing this Strategic Plan, the College Board, Leadership Team, students and staff have reviewed the successes of the College to date, as well as the emerging challenges, trends and opportunities likely to be faced in the future. The feedback we have received through our consultation process suggests that the College is well respected in the community and performing well on many measures. However, just as the disciples were encouraged to “move on to the next place”, we too must remain purposeful and focused on moving forward to bring our mission to life. In doing so, we will ask our community to RISE to the challenge and live out our core values of Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence. This Strategic Plan recognises the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) Strategic Directions 2019 – 2022 and their call to inspire Christcentred leaders, be a Catholic school of excellence, be a Pastoral Catholic community, and to ensure that we are accessible, affordable and sustainable. This document highlights the areas we are targeting to enhance and does not outline everything that we do. There are a number of very successful programs and initiatives that are not mentioned to but will continue to be offered, and they will be reviewed and refined to ensure best practice.
"Set your gaze on the future and always strive to fit your students for the world in which they are to live." Saint Elizabeth Seton
I could not be more proud of the work that is done at Seton Catholic College and the holistic education that we provide for our students. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with parents as we endeavour to stay true to our roots and keep moving forward in the years to come. Mr Joseph Hoyne - Principal
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Our Strategic Plan has been informed by a number of documents: The Australian Government Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. This document calls all schools to promote equity and excellence and to enable all young Australians to become successful learners; confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens.
The WA Catholic Bishops’ Mandate Letter to the Catholic Education Commission of WA (CECWA). This document calls on all school staff to assist parents and form young Christian men and women who will ultimately contribute to making their community a better place for all.
The CECWA Strategic Directions 2019 – 2021 statement. This document calls all Catholic schools to inspire Christ-centred leaders, be a Catholic school of excellence, be a Pastoral Catholic community and to ensure that they continue to be accessible, affordable and sustainable.
A strategy that is grounded in the context of our Western Australian and local community is essential. The diagram below outlines our focus and goals for the next four years and the graduate attributes we seek as a result. Every year we farewell our Year 12 students knowing we have given them every opportunity to be confident and purposeful young men and women who are equipped to follow the pathways they have chosen. We will measure the progress of this plan against the outcomes achieved by our students.
Inspiring Christcentred Leaders
Increase the opportunities for all in our College community to lead by example, serve others and give witness to our RISE values.
Serve God and one another Live out the College values of RISE
Catholic Schools of Excellence
Promote an expectation of personal excellence and ensure provision of an innovative curriculum with opportunities for all to develop.
Achieve personal academic excellence Reach their preferred post-school destination
Catholic Pastoral Communities
Accessible, Affordable and Sustainable Schools
Promote a culture of care and ensure strong connections within the College community.
Maintain full enrolment with a diverse demographic mix and ensure that resource allocation supports innovative teaching.
Respect and care for others Maintain strong alumni connections
Be advocates for the College through their actions and words
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"When so rich a harvest is before us, why do we not gather it? All is in our hands if we will but use it." Saint Elizabeth Seton 4
At Seton Catholic College our students are our main focus and are the best advertisement for our College. We believe that if we are to truly 'Seek Christ' as per our motto, then every interaction matters. In this way we will ensure that each student can become a Christ-centred leader and will be nurtured to develop their own special gifts and talents. The goals in this Strategic Plan are focussed on ensuring the learning environment that operates in the College supports our beliefs. An environment of: Challenge Opportunity Good role models A rich Ministry program Innovative teaching A diverse and interesting curriculum A breadth of sporting, arts and extracurricular programs 8. Ongoing reflection by staff of their work capacity 9. Physical and emotional safety for students 10. Openness in staff discussions 11. Prioritising learning 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
As a College that is committed to excellence, a number of the actions that will be undertaken to advance our goals are listed on the following page.
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Actions to Achieve Our Goals GOAL 1 - Increase the opportunities for all in our College community to lead by example, serve others and give witness to our RISE values. Develop and maintain a Christian Service Learning program for students, with age appropriate opportunities that increase in complexity as they progress through the College. Provide opportunities for students to understand the College story and the work of Saint Elizabeth Seton. Provide increased opportunities for the personal faith development of staff. GOAL 2 - Promote an expectation of personal excellence and ensure provision of an innovative curriculum with opportunities for all to develop. Develop a Lower School transition program with a focus on belonging, inclusion, embracing diversity, connection with peers and the organisational and study skills to enable academic success on their journey through the College. Develop within the Lower School curriculum, innovative, crosscurricular opportunities that are aligned to the real world of students. Integrate the WA general capabilities into the Lower School curriculum and ensure that students are provided opportunities to be curious and challenged. Seek student feedback on the breadth of curriculum opportunities and respond as required. Invest in co-ordinated and targeted Professional Learning opportunities for staff that are aligned to their individual needs and aspirations. Look at valid ways to engage students for sustained success, with a specific focus on the education and achievement of boys. GOAL 3 - Promote a culture of care and ensure strong connections within the College community. Continue to develop proactive responses to the pastoral needs of students in promoting resilience, healthy relationships and positive well-being. Provide opportunities for students and staff ff f to participate in decision-making that affects aff ff f ects their life within the College. Provide formal and informal opportunities to engage parents as partners in the education and well-being of their children. Conduct workshops that enable parents to better understand the teaching and learning programs of the College and the progress of their child.
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GOAL 4 - Maintain full enrolment with a diverse demographic mix and ensure that resource allocation supports an innovative curriculum. Continue the targeted marketing program focussed on sharing the ‘good news’ stories of the College. Identify opportunities for strategic marketing that strengthens enrolments. Regularly review the provision of bursaries and scholarships to ensure they align with the goal of a strong student enrolment base and accessibility to a broad demographic. Identify and implement other initiatives that promote accessibility and affordability. Develop and implement plans for the consistent upgrade of classrooms, grounds and staff facilities to ensure spaces are contemporary, attractive and conducive to learning. Relocate the Education Support Centre and Student Support Services to the heart of the campus as a means of improving inclusivity and access.
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“Live simply so that all may simply live” Saint Elizabeth Seton
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Measuring Our Progress
The measures of achievement for our strategic goals and their targets are summarised below. As we implement our plan in a constantly changing world, the targets indicate our aspirations. Progress will be reviewed annually.
Our Students
2024 Target
Inputs Opportunities for service have been developed and implemented Lower School curriculum is innovative and is under continual review
YES YES
Quantitative Measures Year 9 NAPLAN performance is above that in ’like schools’ Year 12 students achieving WACE graduation Year 12 students reaching their preferred post-school destination Student enrolments College socio-educational mix (as per My School ICSEA)
All 5 measures 100% 100% 1050+ 15%:35%:35%:15%
Community Surveys indicate that the College... is a safe and welcoming place students live out the RISE values engages parents in their child's learning provides appropriate feedback on academic performance is meeting the professional needs and aspirations of staff
% whom agree = 80% or more
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"Perseverance is great grace." Saint Elizabeth Seton
every interaction matters