St Mary’s Catholic College is committed to continuous growth and renewal. As a leading co-educational College in the Diocese, we work to ensure that our practices, programs and facilities remain responsive to the needs of students, families and staff.

Every three years, the College enters a dedicated renewal period of approximately six months. During this time, we reflect deeply on our purpose, mission and priorities through surveys, interviews, focus groups and the collection of broad community feedback. This process helps us understand what we are doing well and where improvement is needed.

The goals that emerge from this reflection form our new three- to five-year Strategic Directions. These goals may arise from identified needs, or from existing priorities that require renewed focus.

Our Strategic Directions then inform the development of the School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP). This plan outlines our short-term goals and actions for each school year. At the end of the year, the SAIP is reviewed and reported back to the community. The findings may lead to adjustments to the Strategic Directions, ensuring they remain a living, responsive guide for the College.

The College Board plays a key role in this renewal process, ensuring the Strategic Directions remain relevant and aligned with the needs of our community. Continuous improvement is central to our work, with issues addressed proactively as they arise.
The renewal process also aligns with NSSAB Compliance Audit requirements and is informed by the Catholic Education Services Strategic Directions, ensuring our vision remains consistent with diocesan priorities.

Strategic Directions

St Mary’s seeks to maintain and strengthen its reputation as a leading co-educational College within the Diocese.

Every three years, we undertake a renewal process to examine our mission, strengths and areas for development. The current Strategic Directions document outlines our priorities and commitments during this period.

Education is dynamic and constantly evolving, and our College embraces this reality. We see ourselves as a moving school — reflective, adaptable and committed to ongoing improvement. At the same time, we remain mindful of the importance of harmonising faith, culture and life through an education that is authentic, meaningful and socially relevant

Our previous Strategic Directions were supported enthusiastically by students, staff, families and the wider community. These changes led to significant positive growth across the College:

  • Enrolments reached capacity.
  • Students demonstrated increasing confidence and pride in their achievements.
  • Staff expressed strong professional satisfaction.
  • Graduates continued to thrive beyond school.
  • Facilities evolved to support a wide range of learning experiences.

St Mary’s is a vibrant, optimistic and forward-looking College. We are excited for the journey ahead and remain committed to working together as a community to bring our shared vision to life.

Strategic Directions

School Annual Report

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Cairns meet their annual reporting requirements under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, Section 423(1), by publishing information on the Cairns Catholic Education website.

School reports are published by 30 June each year, with post-school destination data for Year 12 completers published by 30 September.