St Michael’s Grammar School is a progressive, coeducational K–12 school respected for its exceptional education, wellbeing programs and deep commitment to innovative approaches to teaching, learning and caring. St Michael’s empowers students to approach their lifelong learning journey with courage, confidence and a strong sense of social justice.
Inspired by the Anglican tradition of the Community of the Sisters of the Church since 1895, St Michael’s Grammar School has evolved a holistic approach to education underpinned by a commitment to be inclusive of all who hold preeminent the values of Dignity, Respect, Care and Compassion expressed in the School as – DR CC. Our values live in the School community informing and shaping our actions and behavioural expectations.
Our students are at the heart of a learning ecosystem designed to cultivate strong foundations in key areas of learning, creative and flexible problem-solving, independent thinking, effective collaboration and collective wellbeing. In a respectful, coeducational environment, St Michael’s students demonstrate daily the power of confident, forthright young people working in synergy to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.
e seedling emerges from its ancient roots nurtured by the ecosystem.
an expert and passionate community of adults, students develop strong knowledge of the disciplines, the connections between them and a curiosity to understand the world. The rapport between students and staff is grounded in deep care and compassion, mutual respect, the lively exchange of ideas and an appreciation for the unique talents of each individual. Our students and staff approach learning with courage and a generous spirit.
We will curate a rich learning program that develops our students’ knowledge, dispositions and capabilities whilst enriching their spiritual and ethical frameworks for action.
1. Review the timetable and design the School day to create flexible pathways for consolidation and progression and investigate the feasibility of broadening the curriculum offering to include VET and VCAL subjects to support a diversity of learners.
2. Develop signature programs at every year level with an emphasis on developing capabilities and competencies for continuous learning and personal fulfilment.
3. Co-design with students a rigorous program of learning that combines philosophy, ethics and epistemology to build their capacity for critical, ethical and creative thinking.
We will value our staff and support them to realise the highest levels of collaborative professionalism, productivity and individual accountability.
1. Implement the TLC framework with attendant professional learning, collaborative planning and reflective opportunities to ensure consistently high-quality teaching.
2. Co-design with teachers the tools, structures and protocols that support and appraise the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and caring.
3. Consolidate and extend practices to attain and interpret student data as a source of information to support and monitor the quality of learning.
their peers and a skilled community of staff, parents, Old Michaelians and representatives of the cultural, community and research institutions that surround the School in its inner city location. Our focus on evidence-informed instructional practices, experiential learning and student agency positions our young people as co-designers, co-researchers and co-creators. They are equipped to pose powerful questions, innovate through design and creation, and forge new pathways. Immersive learning experiences and technology unbind the learning of students in time and place and connect students to the world beyond the School.
e seedling grows. As this happens the elders and its origins are less prominent than before. e circle reminds us of the cultural milieu in which this happens.
We will develop engaging and contemporary places for learning that reflect our values, spark curiosity and enhance wellbeing.
1. Deliver a refreshed Facilities’ Management Plan for the School that ensures we create contemporary, flexible learning environments that support and enhance learning and wellbeing.
2. Maintain and develop current facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose and reflect our values.
3. Explore various potential income streams including the expansion of the extended tuition program.
We will develop constructive partnerships with parents, Old Michaelians and the broader community, and leverage their expertise in mutually reinforcing and beneficial ways.
1. Connect student learning to the world through strategic partnerships with key cultural, business and community organisations.
2. Embed service-learning opportunities in the School’s academic programs to enable active commitment to a socially just and sustainable world.
3. Contribute to the research base that informs educational next practice through partnering with leading academic institutions and critical friends.
Forour graduates, the enduring purpose and benefits of a St Michael’s education are exemplified in their diversity, creativity, citizenship, and in their hearts. We instil in our students and alumni the confidence to lead in their fields of endeavour and conceive of new approaches, the determination to follow their passions and the wisdom to live balanced and meaningful lives inspired by a commitment to making the world a better place.
e seedling is now in full flower radiating strength back to the community. It bears seeds (the hope for the future) and makes a sustained contribution to new growth.
We will know and value our students, recognising and supporting their individual strengths, voice and agency. During their time at St Michael’s they will be enriched, challenged and empowered for the benefit of their personal development and capacity to make a positive contribution to the lives of others.
1. Develop mechanisms for student voice, participatory decision making and feedback on their experience of learning at the School.
2. Create a future-focussed career and enterprise skills program with opportunities for students to curate a personal portfolio of credentials, leadership skills and selfdevelopment opportunities.
3. Take a lead role in developing a coalition of schools across the world to expand the opportunities for developing a global perspective through exchange, cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
We will act responsibly and sustainably, making best use of our resources and work to minimise our environmental footprint.
1. Implement the Philanthropy Strategy with an emphasis on building the capacity of the School to diversify the students to whom a St Michael’s education is accessible.
2. Maximise the efficiency of our processes and systems to support and enable the core business of teaching, learning and caring.
3. Commit to bold targets for the introduction of renewable energy sources and develop a set of sustainable principles to guide decision making, educational programs and future facilities development.
St Michael’s Grammar School
25 Chapel Street, St Kilda
VIC 3182 Australia
Telephone: +61 3 8530 3200
Facsimile: +61 3 9510 9392
community@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
stmichaels.vic.edu.au
CRICOS Provider 00345G
The symbolism in this document reflects three of the five Resurrection stained-glass windows the School commissioned for the renovation of the Chapel of St Michael and All Angels. They are both a spiritual and secular representation of “from”, “with” and “for”.
Window and symbol design by Glenn Mack.
First published 7 February 2020