Brigidine Heritage

Marian College is one of seven Brigidine secondary schools in Victoria and South Australia. The Brigidine Sisters were refounded by Bishop Daniel Delany, Bishop of Kildare. He gathered six women catechists, in Tullow, County Carlow, Ireland in 1807. The Brigidine Annals record that Bishop Delany was not founding a new Congregation but rather restoring 'the ancient order of Brigid'. At this time the Irish were just beginning to emerge from the penal period during which ignorance and poverty was wide spread, when Irish Catholics were denied an education, their language was outlawed and they were often forced from their homes. Bishop Delany was deeply concerned about the enforced ignorance of many of the people who were also living in very poor circumstances. He saw the need for people to have the rights and benefits of a Christian education.

The original Brigidines were founded in the fifth century by St Brigid in Ireland, and continued until the period of the Reformation. St Brigid of Kildare became a legend in her life time. She held a unique position in the early Irish church and society of her day. As Abbess, she presided over the local church of Kildare and was leader of a double monastery of men and women. Her abbey was acclaimed as a centre of education, culture, worship and hospitality in Ireland and far beyond. In writings of Brigid the main emphasis is on her faith, her healing powers, her skills with animals, her hospitality, her generosity and, especially, her concern for the poor, the oppressed or the embarrassed. The Brigidines were among Irish Religious Congregations responding to a call from the Bishops of Australia, for pastoral support and assistance to establish Catholic schools.

The Brigidine Sisters came to Australia in 1883 and established communities in Coonamble (NSW) and in 1889 in Echuca. This began the Brigidine Australian story.

At Marian College, giving witness to our Vision and Mission statement is integral to our planning for the school's future over the next few years. These statements serve as a continual reminder of our ultimate goal and future directions as an educational community.

VISION STATEMENT
A Community growing in Faith and Love
- Serving Others
- Striving to Achieve
- Thinking for the Future

MISSION STATEMENT
As our Community faithfully continues the journey of the Brigidine Sisters, immersed in the teachings of the Gospels and living the core values with strength and kindness, Marian College will:

- Establish an environment that capitalises on our natural tendency for learning and use exemplary teaching practice so that all students can learn effectively and with a sense of purpose.

- Respect and promote the uniqueness of each individual and provide opportunities for all to navigate their own path in life, realise their potential, and contribute to the growth of the community.

- Celebrate effort and excellence, both personal and communal, in order to enhance the capacity for growth and learning.

- Assert that justice requires a radical discomfort about the suffering of others and work to be an agent for change.

- As a custodian of our Earth, confirm our faith in the future through careful stewardship that models and promotes a responsible and restrained use of resources.

- Acknowledge our strengths and our common humanity by celebrating diversity.

Approaches to Learning

The students of Marian College are invited to participate in an exciting learning journey throughout their secondary years. Underpinning our work is the core value of engendering a love of learning, hope and a sense of purpose in our students. Innovative programs and pedagogies equip Marian students with skills, values and attitudes that prepare them for life-long learning.

We recognise that student learning and their pastoral care are inextricably intertwined and therefore learning and teaching takes place in an environment that is supportive and challenging. We encourage students to take risks in their learning and forge their individual identity and pathway.

The curriculum at Marian College provides students in Years 7 to 10 with a broad range of core subjects and electives that provide a springboard from which they can choose their senior years program. In Years 11 and 12 students select from the Victorian Certificate of Education or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning. In both programs a diverse number of VCE subjects and Vocational Education and Training modules and certificates are available.

Resource Centre
Resource Centre with books, periodicals, reference and audio visual resources for student research. Computer facilities for online researching are incorporated into the Resource Centre's class areas.

Science Laboratories
Three fully equipped Science laboratories (Years 7 to 10) as well as VCE Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Information Technology Facilities
Three computer laboratories, 5 'Computer Pods' strategically placed between classrooms and a lap top lab provide ease of access to technology to facilitate the learning and teaching process. The College has also benefitted from the "Digital Revolution" initiative and will have computers at a ratio of 1 computer per two students in Years 9 to 12.

Performing Arts Centre
Performing Arts Centre with large spaces for Music and Drama classes, rehearsal spaces and smaller rooms for individual and small group instrumental tuition.

Visual Arts and Technology Rooms
Specialist Visual Arts and Technology rooms for Art, Ceramics, Painting, Wood Work, Printmaking, Textiles, Visual Communication, Media (including studio digital editing facilities), Photography (including dark room) and Food Technology.

Sports Education Facilities
Multi-purpose Gymnasium (shared facility with St Paul's Primary School) and two outdoor basketball courts for Physical Education.

Auditorium
330 seat Auditorium with professional lighting, sound and video / data projection facilities, for school gatherings, presentations and performances.

Ngali Centre
This two level centre provides learning and independent classroom spaces. Students are able to work alongside teachers and Year Level Leaders located in the centre. A kitchen is also available for Year 12 students.

Year 7/8 Building
Opened in 2008, this facility consists of 10 modern classroom spaces, two 'Computer Pods' and offices for Year Level Leaders and staff.

Canteen
A canteen which provides low-cost nutritious lunches and snacks

Marian College operates a non-selective enrolment policy. The College serves a multi-cultural and multi-faith community, and enrolment patterns reflect the nature of the community served.

The Marian College Enrolment Policy and the application and enrolment process follow the enrolment policies and guidelines of the Catholic Education Office and the Brigidine Schools Secondary Council "Policy for Enrolment in a Brigidine School".

Enrolling at Marian College
A Prospectus containing an Application for Enrolment Form, policies and curriculum information is available on request by phoning Andrea Michail, School Registrar on 9363 1711. An Application for Enrolment is usually lodged when a student is in Year 5. However, applications will be accepted earlier.

There are currently places available for Year 7 2010.


College Tour
All prospective parents and students are encouraged to experience the Marian Community first hand by taking a College Tour with Ms. Andrea Michail, School Registrar. These tours operate on the first Tuesday of every month, from 9:30am and run for approximately 45 minutes. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Andrea Michail, School Registrar on 9363 1711.