Santa Maria College is a girl’s Catholic school situated on a 2.5-hectare single campus, in the heart of suburban Northcote, 7kms north of Melbourne CBD. Established in 1904, the College has undergone much change, and yet remains true to its Good Samaritan, Benedictine charism. The college SES is 103 which in part reflects the increasing gentrification of the Northcote area.
Santa Maria College is a public company limited by guarantee. It is governed according to the Good Samaritan Education Constitution. The Members of the Company represent Good Samaritan Education and are accountable to this entity. The Directors, appointed by the Members of the Company in accordance with the Constitution, form the College Board, and provide the governance of the College and set the strategic direction. All operational matters and internal administration are delegated to the Principal.
Santa Maria College is a welcoming school that has dynamic, determined, cohesive and innovative leadership and a committed staff. It is increasingly highly regarded in the community as a school that cares deeply for its students: one that seeks to promote student life that enables girls to become strong, compassionate and independent women who are critical thinkers and who seek to live out Gospel values with integrity, hope and joy. In recognising the importance of working in partnership with parents, the College is endeavouring to provide a holistic education to the young women it serves. In doing so, it is wholeheartedly embracing the challenges of the rapidly changing educational, social and spiritual landscape.
The College successfully gained authorisation from the International Baccalaureate as a global school in 2014 and as such is an official provider of the Middle Years Program (MYP: Years 7-10). This recognition has placed the College on an international platform as a global school for innovative learning.
Santa Maria College is excited to unveil its comprehensive College Masterplan, a visionary blueprint that will guide our community into a new era of excellence. The Masterplan is designed to enhance our educational environment, incorporating state-of-the-art facilities, innovative learning spaces, and sustainable practices. The Masterplan reflects our commitment to fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and community engagement. It ensures that our rich history and traditions are honored while embracing future opportunities for our students, staff, and wider community.
More information on the Masterplan can be found here.
The College has a true multicultural profile with no one particular nationality dominating the ethnic mix with many students representing third and fourth generation migrant families. Added to this great richness to our College is the enrolment of a small number of Aboriginal students and a growing intake of Sudanese students. This provides a wonderful learning opportunity for considered dialogue, growing relationships leading to the development of mutual respect.
Our College aims to provide a holistic learning experience for each student. Offering opportunities that engage and ignite a passion for learning within a nurturing community, as part of our vision of ‘One Community, Three Villages’ model held within the framework of our Catholic, Benedictine/Good Samaritan tradition. Knowing each student's story, so that she can learn in community is our intent.
Each year the College releases its Annual Report to the School Community from the previous year, attesting to minimum standards as specified in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic). The Annual Report is also a chance to share the goals, achievements and celebrations of the College, its staff and students, with the greater College community.
The bell times for 2024 can be found in the student diary.
Bell Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday include Homeroom times
8:35 am - Warning Bell
8:40 am - Homeroom Year 7 - 12
8:50 am - Period 1
10:05 am - Recess
10:25 am - Warning bell- move to Period 2 class
10.30 am - Period 2 teachers ensure all students are seated and quiet. Silent communal prayer will be held from 10.31 to 10.35am.
At 10.35, Period 2 class commences
11:50 am- Changeover time
11:55 am - Period 3
1:10 pm Lunch
2:00 pm- Warning Bell
2:05 pm - Period 4
3:20 pm - Dismissal
Bell Times: Tuesday
8:35 am - Warning Bell
8:40 am - Period 1
9.42 am - Changeover time
9.47 am - Period 2- Pastoral Program
10:49 am - Recess
11.09 am - Warning bell
11.14 am - Period 3
12.16 pm - Changeover time
12.21 pm - Period 4
1:23 pm - Lunch
2:13 pm - Warning Bell
2:18 pm - Period 5
3:20 pm - Dismissal