St James Catholic College

As parents, who were both students at the college, our first re-introduction to St James Catholic College was with the Little Lights, pre-Kinder program and the excellent screening and intervention programs the college has that continue throughout their educational journey. We very much appreciate the teaching methodology that sees each student as an individual as well as our wish to support a local school for locals.

Laura and Mitchell Direen

We chose St James Catholic College for our first son’s high school education because of its location and smaller class sizes – it has been a brilliant school for our second son also. Our first son attended St James over 15 years ago. He is now an Engineer. It had been a fantastic choice of school back then but is even better now. The Principal and teachers are friendly and approachable. They recognise the kids out of school, when they are in the community and even when they are in Hobart during weekends and will freely come and chat with them. The school offers good elective subjects like Advanced Mathematics and has a great Pathways Program that covers career and higher education choices. The students are able to go to both Guilford Young College and Saint Aloysius Catholic College to see what Years 11 and 12 will look like for them before deciding their Senior Secondary options. “Let your light shine” is the College motto. I feel that every child is noticed and is able to be their best self at St James Catholic College.

Jessica Reardon

We first chose St James Catholic College for our daughter 11 years ago over other schools to remain in the valley and receive a quality Catholic Education with the added plus of not having to leave at the end of Year Six with the disruption of starting at a new high school. The smaller class sizes were also a positive in our decision. The quality of staff is exceptional and they are always approachable making us feel we are part of the school community. Over the past 11 years we have seen the facilities continually upgraded and improved to provide a modern college with numerous learning opportunities. Our four children currently attend St James Catholic College with our eldest in Year 10, she has been supported in all aspects of her education as well as social and emotional support preparing for her transition into Year 11 and 12 at Guilford Young College. I feel that St James has assisted us in raising a fantastic young adult with strong values and beliefs and we are excited for her future. Our two sons are currently in Years One and Five and they are thriving in all areas of their school lives, they love the garden and kitchen and the modern technology provided in their classrooms. And lastly there is our ‘baby’ who commenced Kindergarten this year. Our daughter has a physical and intellectual disability (down syndrome). She has been welcomed into the College community with so much love and support. The preparations, planning and adjustments made to enable her to attend school with her siblings has been amazing and to be provided with full inclusion into St James has been so important to us and has made the transition into school life the best we could have wished for. All of our children have had ups and downs in their school and personal lives but St James has always supported them and us as a family by providing whatever it takes to get them back on track to receive the best education possible.

Kelly and Damian Grace