At Penola Catholic College, we are committed to providing Real Life Learning as well as a well-rounded and high-quality education that prepares our students for success in their future endeavors.

Here are a few reasons why parents choose Penola Catholic College for their child's secondary school education:

1. Catholic Ethos: As a Catholic school, we offer a values-based education that is grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church. We strive to instill in our students a sense of social justice, respect, and compassion for others, and encourage them to use their talents and abilities to make a positive difference in the world.

2. Academic Excellence: Our school has a strong academic track record, with a focus on individualised learning and academic rigor. Our teachers are experienced and dedicated professionals who strive to provide engaging and challenging lessons that inspire and motivate our students.

3. Co-Curricular Opportunities: We offer a wide range of co-curricular activities that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their skills outside of the classroom. From sports teams to music programs to academic clubs, we have something for everyone.

4. Supportive Community: At Penola Catholic College, we are committed to fostering a supportive, safe, and inclusive community where all students feel valued and respected. We have a dedicated team of staff who are available to support students in their academic, social, and emotional development.

5. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our school boasts modern and well-equipped facilities, including a library, science labs, performing arts centre, hairdressing salon, sports fields, and more. We are committed to providing our students with the resources and infrastructure needed to support their learning and growth.

The Co-curricular programmes at Penola Catholic College are designed to expose students to a variety of experiences and work to complement the mainstream curriculum. We are proud to offer over 50 co-curricular activities. Students can participate in leadership development, social justice programs, drama, various choral and musical ensembles, science, debating, numerous sporting activities and many other programs.

Pastoral care at Penola Catholic College focuses upon the development of the whole person. Student support and pastoral care structures are highly developed and cover the areas of faith and personal development, counselling and careers advice.

Transition Programs are designed to support new students entering the school to settle quickly and happily into their new environment.

The services provided by our Educational Psychologists, our Chaplains and Home School Liaison Officer are additional ways we support the wider needs of our community.

The College follows the Restorative Practices model and is proactive in its work on increasing student wellbeing.

Did you know that Penola Catholic College has partnered with Tullamarine Bus Lines and Dysons to operate a dedicated bus service for both our Junior Campus and Senior Campus students?

For more information, please visit: https://www.penola.vic.edu.au/enrolments/transport

On behalf of the Penola Catholic College community, I welcome you to the Penola website. I trust that the information provided on this website provides you with a greater understanding of the spirit of the Penola community.

We are a Catholic co-educational college situated on two campuses in Broadmeadows and Glenroy. We educate the young people of the north-western region of Melbourne in the Josephite tradition of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We are a Catholic school supported by the seven Member Parishes in the inner north west of Melbourne, being the parishes of Broadmeadows, Dallas, Fawkner North, Glenroy, Hadfield, Gladstone Park and Oak Park. We are part of the church in every sense and the faith development of our community is our first priority in partnership with our parents who have the primary responsibility for their children’s faith development. At the heart of our school are the Gospel values, the role model provided by Jesus Christ and the Charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

A critical part of our school community is to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and we endeavour to create a sense of belonging for all involved with Penola Catholic College. Our pastoral care of individual students is a distinctive feature of our community and our Student Services department are a great asset and critical component of our College. Our facilities are second to none and I feel confident that you will be impressed by what we have to offer.

For all those new to the Penola community this year I trust you will feel especially welcome. As your journey begins I hope you will feel a sense of belonging and see in the school you have selected for your sons and daughters a place where they will make new and enduring friendships, thrive upon their learning experiences and participate fully in the myriad of opportunities that will allow them to discover their own unique strengths and talents.

For those continuing their Penola journey I thank you for your past support and seek your ongoing commitment to building an outstanding learning community. Each year brings new demands and this year will reveal its own diverse challenges. Your continuing support for the work of our teachers and the education support staff of Penola Catholic College will enable us to grow and help to build a vibrant and dynamic place of learning for our children.

I thank you for your interest in our College. Should you have any questions about the College or about enrolment or employment possibilities I encourage you to contact us. If you are looking for a secondary school for your children I invite you to join me on one of the Principal’s tours which are conducted throughout the year. To view tour dates and book online click here.

Tracey Kift
Principal of Penola Catholic College