Educating for life-long success

As the Principal of The Cathedral School, I welcome you to Townsville’s only Anglican School for boys and girls from Early Childhood to Year 12, including boarding students from Years 7 to 12.

For over 90 years Th e Cathedral School has provided a caring Christian environment with a strong focus on academic performance and personal development.

At Cathedral, we are educating for life-long success. We know that this requires a well-rounded education to develop the whole person. Our careful balance of academic, sporting, cultural and spiritual programs ensures students develop the skills and attitudes needed to lead successful and fulfi lling lives.

Small classes and capped enrolment numbers ensure that the school maintains its optimal size and provides the best opportunities for every student. Our experienced and dedicated staff nurture and challenge students to perform to the best of their ability. A wide range of academic and vocational subjects meet the diverse needs of students, preparing them for their various roles in the world beyond school.

Students develop self-confi dence and valuable life skills through the school’s exceptional Outdoor Education program and the vast array of sporting, musical, cultural and social opportunities that are offered to them.

With the Early Learning Centre, Pre-Prep Centre, Junior School (Prep to Year 6), Middle School (Years 7 - 9) and Senior School (Years 10 - 12) all on the one beautiful campus in centrally located Mundingburra, students progress seamlessly through the years, benefi ting from the consistent values and high expectations of the school community.

On behalf of The Cathedral School I would like to thank you for your interest in our school and we look forward to welcoming you into our community.

Mr Ian GamackPrincipal

The Cathedral School has undergone many changes throughout its long history, but there is one thing that has remained the same - it has always provided a nurturing and challenging environment where students can learn, develop and grow in a caring Christian community.

The School was established in 1917 as St Anne’s Church of England Girls’ School operated by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. Sixty years later, the Sisters departed and the school came under the control of the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland. The fi rst lay principal was appointed in 1978, and the school soon became co-educational and assumed its new name – The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James.

The original school operated in the Synod Hall adjacent to St James’ Cathedral, but soon moved to its own premises on the site which is now occupied by the Townsville City Council. During the war years, staff and students were evacuated to the safety of inland Ravenswood, and in 1958 the school moved to its current site in suburban Mundingburra, where students enjoy the unique natural environment created by the massive rain trees and fresh water lagoon in the school’s grounds.

Today, The Cathedral School is a modern, independent Anglican School providing a comprehensive education and an exceptional level of care to children from 6 weeks of age to Year 12. In addition to the modern air-conditioned classrooms and dormitories, education at The Cathedral School is facilitated by two well-stocked libraries, state of the art science facilities, dedicated music, drama, and art spaces, plus an extensive computer network with interactive whiteboards and high-speed broadband.

Facilities also include a 25 metre swimming pool, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a 150-seat lecture theatre. An ongoing program of building and development ensures that students have the best possible facilities to enhance their educational experience.

The single campus is centrally located and easily accessible from all suburbs of Townsville. Dedicated bus services, Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Programs cater to the needs of busy families, while the Student Health Centre and School Counsellor monitor the health and welfare of students and staff.

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Children from 6 weeks to school entry age can join the well-structured and supportive environment of the Early Learning Centre and Pre-Prep Centre at The Cathedral School. With an emphasis on learning through play and positive social interactions with peers, children begin developing the frameworks for a life-long educational journey.

Specifi c programs for Babies, Toddlers, Kindergarten and Pre-Prep children are prepared and implemented by dedicated staff who ensure that the activities are developmentally and age appropriate and will support and foster the social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical development of each child.

As licensed day care providers, both centres operate for extended hours 50 weeks a year, and parents are able to claim Child Care Benefi ts and Income Tax Rebates as applicable. QIAS accreditation ensures the quality of the programs and the care provided for the children.

Both Centres offer spacious and well-resourced areas in which to learn and play. Fully fenced, shady playgrounds provide a safe and attractive space out of doors, whilst classroom areas are colourful, comfortable and welcoming spaces.

The ELC and Pre-Prep Centres uphold The Cathedral School’s tradition of providing the highest standards of education and care in a safe Christian environment.

Learning is seen as a partnership and shared responsibility between the staff, the family and the child. Open and positive communication creates a climate of mutual trust and respect, where everyone is contributing to each child’s overall development.

My husband and I strongly believe that the smaller class sizes at Cathedral allow the teachers to provide a happy, caring and supportive environment. It has also enabled their teachers to really get to know our children, which I think is an important aspect to their learning.

Michelle Breen, Parent

Children are naturally inquisitive and always want to explore and learn new things. It is our goal within the Junior School to foster and develop that enthusiasm to ensure that our students become happy and confi dent life-long learners.

At Cathedral, we believe that it is important to provide varied and stimulating programs so that students will develop a love of learning which they will carry throughout their lives. The Junior School curriculum (Prep – Year 6) incorporates the eight Key Learning Areas presented in an integrated, inquiry based approach.

There is a strong emphasis on mastering the ‘basics’ of literacy and numeracy as well as assisting students to develop the ability to think creatively, to solve problems and to become good citizens. A positive learning environment with access to modern technology enables students to engage in classroom activities and achieve to their potential.

Specialist teachers provide Music, Languages (French and Japanese), and Health and Physical Education classes to complement the core studies. Library sessions, Christian Education lessons and a weekly chapel service are also part of the regular curriculum. Extension activities are provided within the classroom program, and some specialist assistance is available for students who require learning support.

The Junior School also offers an extensive Instrumental Music Program. The Strings program begins in Year 3, and by Year 5 every student is receiving specialist tuition on an instrument as part of their normal curriculum offering. Possible instruments include guitar, woodwind, brass, string or percussion.

Healthy participation in physical activity is encouraged through regular sports lessons, interhouse carnivals and interschool team sport. Students also experience an exciting and challenging Outdoor Education program which develops confi dence, resilience and teamwork.

The extracurricular program gives students countless opportunities to explore and broaden their experiences. Sports competitions, music and drama productions, house activities, Tournament of the Minds and many other activities foster the development of skills and attitudes they will carry into their adult lives.

We are continually fi ne-tuning our Middle School program here at Th e Cathedral School. We aim to equip all of our students with the skills and habits needed to develop and grow into confi dent, well-rounded individuals in this ever changing world we live in.

- Mrs Barbara Lansbury, Dean of Middle School Students

There is strong evidence that adolescence can be a traumatic time in a student’s life. Other than infancy, no stage of development squeezes more physical, social, intellectual and emotional development into such a short period of time.

The Middle School Program (Years 7, 8 and 9) was founded on an understanding of the needs of adolescents. It fosters the development of each individual using a holistic approach, incorporating academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and community programs.

The curriculum is learner-centred and aims to develop their repertoire of skills for life, building their basic competencies and providing a focus on new technologies and active citizenship. Students experience a diverse range of subjects, allowing them to discover new talents and build on their strengths, all within an atmosphere of high expectations.

Dedicated Middle School teachers are classroom specialists who provide academic challenges and an appropriate level of support for all learners. Tutors and Year Level Deans manage an effective pastoral care program, promoting self-confi dence and individual development.

Adolescents are natural risk-takers who need to try new things. The Cathedral School provides appropriate challenging activities within a safe and controlled environment such as the unique Outdoor Education program. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the extensive opportunities available in sports, music and cultural activities, as well as becoming involved in leadership and decision-making through the house system and Student Parliament.

Within the Middle School, students can immerse themselves in a school environment which keeps them focused and happy, whilst effectively preparing them for their senior phase of learning.

The Senior School (Years 10, 11 and 12) is the fi nal phase of schooling. It provides a springboard for the future by combining academic studies with the development of skills and attitudes essential for life and work in the 21st century.

Committed staff, excellent facilities and a disciplined environment enable students to reach their full potential during this critical time of their education. Cathedral students achieve OP (Tertiary Entrance) scores well above the Queensland state average and readily gain entry to their preferred university courses. The senior curriculum also provides options for those students who choose a vocational pathway, preparing them for direct entry into the workforce after completing school.

Year 10 provides a broad-based foundation to senior studies with students developing knowledge and skills across all key learning areas. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop a self-disciplined approach to study.

Career investigation and planning is an important part of the senior phase of learning. Students participate in work experience and have career counselling with a dedicated Careers Offi cer who assists them to make realistic plans for their future.

Cathedral is a wonderful school; it has provided me with plenty of opportunities and choice including the subject selections it has to off er. Th e help and guidance from teachers and peers has made it a great environment to grow up in.

- Kate, Year 12

In Years 11 and 12, students select the subjects that best suit their interests, abilities, personal strengths and chosen career path. Students can choose the traditional pathway of six academic subjects or a combination of school subjects with vocational courses and on-the-job experience.

Students in the Senior School are also encouraged to participate in an extensive program of house events and extracurricular activities that centre on building self confi dence, organisational abilities and personal relationships with others. These activities also provide students with many opportunities to develop and utilise their leadership skills.

Cathedral has an excellent Instrumental Music Program and has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent and be involved in a variety of diff erent ensembles. I like performing with everyone else and I’ve made some really close friends through the program.

- Nathaniel, Year 11

Life contains much more than just work and study, so it is important that every student’s school years provide the foundations for a rich and diverse life experience.

At The Cathedral School, the extracurricular program gives students from Early Childhood to Year 12 countless opportunities to explore and broaden their experiences, while developing skills and attitudes that will lead to life-long participation in healthy and fulfi lling recreational and cultural activities.

Music provides a wonderful creative outlet for many Cathedral students. In addition to private tuition on a full range of instruments, there are a number of music performance groups for students of all ages to participate in. These include choirs, orchestras, concert and stage bands and a variety of smaller ensembles. Students involved in these groups are encouraged to share their gifts and often perform at school assemblies, concerts, competitions and various other events throughout the year.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in house and school productions which showcase the diverse talents of actors, singers, dancers, musicians and support crew. These events allow students to experience the excitement of working together to perfect a performance for an appreciative audience.

Participation in the Toastmasters Gavel Club or public speaking and debating contests develops self-confi dence and life skills, while other extracurricular programs such as the Leos Club and Duke of Edinburgh Scheme encourage self-development through community service and participation in meaningful leisure activities.

Cathedral students also participate in a variety of competitions in the local, state and national arenas and have recently achieved exceptional results in contests such as Tournament of the Minds, Wakakirri, Opti-Minds, Spaghetti Bridge Construction and the Science and Engineering Challenge.

“Healthy body - healthy mind – healthy life” is a philosophy that underlies the policy of incorporating sports and physical education as a vital part of a Cathedral education. We aim to ensure that, through regular and enjoyable involvement in a range of sports and physical activities, our students will develop skills and attitudes that will lead to life-long participation in healthy recreational activities.

From Early Childhood to Year 12, students take part in age-appropriate physical activities from swimming and fi tness routines to a full range of team sports. Enthusiasm and team spirit are evident in the interhouse sporting events where all students participate in friendly and inclusive swimming, cross country and athletics competitions.

Students from Year 5 to Year 12 are able to play in the weekly interschool team sport competitions, which offer a full range of sports across three seasons each year. These games are held during school hours for primary students and after school for secondary students.

Cathedral teams repeatedly win the Population Trophies at the major interschool carnivals, demonstrating the depth of ability and effort from a relatively small school population. Cathedral students are also well represented in higher-level sporting competitions following selection for local, regional, state and national teams.

The Cathedral School operates a comprehensive rowing program for students in Years 8 – 12. The Rowing Squad has enjoyed much success at local, state, national and even international level – a direct result of the commitment and enthusiasm of the rowers and their coaches.

Rugby and netball are also popular sports, and the senior players have the opportunity to tour the United Kingdom in the September holidays every second year, competing against schools in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and we often host reciprocal visits from these schools.

At Cathedral we believe sport is an important part of education as it promotes an active lifestyle, develops teamwork and emphasises the importance of training and doing your best.

The Outdoor Education program is an integral part of an education at The Cathedral School and is about challenge, adventure, skill training, knowledge, perseverance, self-satisfaction and enjoyment.

Outdoor Education starts in the early primary years and continues through to Year 10 in the Senior School. It is an exciting and dynamic way of learning which promotes a broader understanding of the world and individual personal growth that would not be possible in the normal school setting.

This unique program takes students out of the classroom - and out of their comfort zones - and into river, rainforest, outback and coastal ecosystems throughout the North Queensland region. All activities are conducted in a safe but challenging environment and are expertly organised by the very experienced and highly qualifi ed Outdoor Education staff.

The camps progressively become longer and more challenging to provide a sequential development of skills throughout the year levels. Specifi c themes are explored at each year level, and students experience the practical application of history, geography, science, mathematics, art and language as they engage with each other and the natural environment.

During their days away, students learn some bush craft and environmental understanding, whilst developing important personal attributes such as teamwork, confi dence, initiative and leadership. And they have fun!

Outdoor Education is awesome. We get to experience things like camping, swinging on vines and liloing down the river. Camp is fun and is organised really well so we are safe but also able to take risks.

- Samuel, Year 6

The Cathedral School is home to approximately 150 boarding students from many different backgrounds, including those from rural families, coastal and island communities and overseas. A happy and safe environment, modern facilities and delicious meals make it the ideal home away from home.

Boys and girls from Years 7 to 12 are accommodated in separate dormitories, where they are cared for by live-in house parents and dormitory supervisors. Staff take care to establish a friendly and supportive environment based on co-operation, trust and mutual respect.

The Cathedral School is committed to providing a very high standard in boarding accommodation, with $8 million spent on refurbishment and extension of the dormitories in recent years.

Boarders live in modern, air-conditioned dormitories, complete with their own study desk, lockable storage and high-speed broadband internet access. Year 11 and 12 students have private rooms whilst younger boarders share with 1-3 other students, but individual areas allow for privacy and individuality.

Boarders also have access to outstanding services such as an air-conditioned dining room where tasty, nutritious meals are prepared by a qualifi ed chef, 24 hour medical care in the Student Health Centre and on-site fully-staffed laundry facilities.

The organised routine and supervised study time provide an ideal environment for boarders to focus on improving their academic performance and achieving their personal best. In addition to their academic commitments, boarders are encouraged to participate in the extensive range of extracurricular activities and sports available to them.

Each weekend, a variety of activities are organised and fully supervised by boarding staff. These cater for a range of interests, and include a balance of no-cost and pay-for-entry activities. Boarders also have use of school facilities on the weekends, including the swimming pool.

The Director of Boarding is supported by a well qualifi ed team of on-site boarding staff, plus academic teaching staff who supervise evening study time. Frequent contact with parents ensures that school and home are working together in the best interests of each child.

The Cathedral School is a microcosm of the modern world, and students from many different cultural backgrounds have chosen to study here. This blend of cultures within the school community encourages tolerance and understanding between peoples of the world, and provides a broader global perspective for all.

International students are welcomed into the school community, and are immersed into classes and boarding life with children from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. This enhances their cultural and academic experience, and provides opportunities for life-long international friendships.

Indigenous students are also educated at Cathedral, many of them sponsored through the school’s partnerships with major indigenous foundations and scholarship programs. These programs give promising indigenous students the opportunity to access a quality education and achieve to their full potential.

Both indigenous and international students receive ongoing support from specialist staff to assist them as they develop their language and academic skills, and adjust to living and working in a ‘foreign’ school environment. Because of the level of support required, the school limits the number of places available on these programs.

Within this diverse community, students build friendships and confi dence as they equip themselves with the skills and attitudes needed to progress to the next stage in their life’s journey – whether that be further study at a college or university, direct entry to the workforce, or travelling the world!

I like studying at Th e Cathedral School

because students and teachers are friendly to me and they help me. Cathedral has

many activities which we can enjoy.

- Karen (China), Year 10

The mission of The Cathedral School is to be a

caring, Christian community in which children

are challenged and inspired to explore, learn

and grow so they will be equipped to make wise

decisions as informed members of society.

CRICOS Provider Code: 00959M

154 Ross River Road, TownsvillePO Box 944, Aitkenvale D.C.Queensland 4814 Australia

Telephone: (07) 4722 2000Facsimile: (07) 4722 2111

Email: registrar@cathedral.qld.edu.auwww.cathedral.qld.edu.au