This week “CityNews” spoke to some of the best schools in the Canberra region that are open for enrolments.

Whether it’s foreign languages, learning an instrument, fostering a passion for STEM and mathematics, or honing a talent in art, Canberra’s schools have everything students need to learn and develop. 

Catholic school brings tradition and wisdom

In 2025, St Jude’s in Holder will celebrate its 50th anniversary as a Catholic primary school, says principal Cameron Reed. 

“With that comes tradition, wisdom and an openness to purposeful growth in everything we do,” he says.

“Our students are a joy to be around and they are supportive of each other.

“We are a high-quality, community-oriented Catholic educational environment, where students thrive, staff are happy and parents are engaged. 

“We see it in our students and we hear it from our parents.”

“Entering the buildings at St Jude’s is just like coming home, it’s safe, secure and supportive,” says one year 6 student. 

“It’s a place where I can learn and people are really kind.” 

One parent says, “I chose St Jude’s because it presents a high quality, coeducational experience, which mirrors all that is good in the real world.” 

“My son is in year 5 and he loves the small class sizes, buddying with the early learning centre, and the playground space” says another parent.

The St Jude’s community believes in educating spirit, mind and body to embrace today and meet the challenges of the future, says Cameron. 

“Our oldest students look after our younger students,” he says. 

“Academically, our students compare with the best schools in Canberra.”

Cameron says they are now accepting new enrolments for 2025, with an Open Day on Wednesday, May 8, 9.15am-11am and 4pm-6pm. 

St Jude’s Primary School, Mulley Street, Holder. Call 6288 7688, or visit stjudesps.act.edu.au

Anglican school that challenges and inspires

With two campuses across Gungahlin and Forde, Burgmann Anglican School caters to children from six months through to year 12, says Principal Leonie Harwood.

“When your child joins Burgmann, they embark on a journey that challenges, inspires and empowers them to achieve their potential,” she says.

“Burgmann offers a positive educational experience, integrating learning and teaching with a comprehensive wellbeing model and the Christian Life to support their commitment to developing the whole child.”

Leonie says at Burgmann, children can explore a variety of interests while developing and nurturing their literacy, numeracy and creative skills.

“We implement an evidence-based approach to literacy through programs such as PreLit and InitiaLit in the early years, delivering a synthetic phonics approach alongside rich literature and vocabulary development,” she says.

“STEM is taught explicitly from kindergarten and its elements are integrated across the school to enhance our innovative learning programs.

“We offer a tailored Middle School program, in purpose-built facilities, designed to meet the needs of young adolescents before they transition to our Senior School.”

Burgmann recently unveiled their new Senior Science Centre on its Valley Avenue Campus; a specialist centre offering enhanced academic programs and extended learning opportunities through its state-of-the-art facilities, says Leonie.

“The opening of the Senior Science Centre represents a significant milestone in Burgmann Anglican School’s commitment to innovative learning and continuous advancement,” she says, and she invites families interested in learning more about the school to visit the school’s website or attend an upcoming tour or information evening.

Burgmann Anglican School. 4 The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin and Francis Forde Boulevard, Forde. Call 6255 7700 for the Gungahlin campus, 6204 3299 for the Forde campus or visit burgmann.act.edu.au

School thrives on values of curiosity, creativity and confidence

Founded in 1929, Canberra Grammar School (CGS) is dedicated to providing education to the children of Australia’s capital city and surrounding regions, says Dr Sandra Webster, deputy head and head of primary school. 

“Rooted in Christian scriptures and traditions yet welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds, our institution thrives on values of curiosity, creativity, confidence, compassion and global citizenship,” she says.

“Nestled in Ngunnawal country, our campus sprawls over 20 hectares and boasts state-of-the-art facilities such as the recently inaugurated Primary School Building with multi-level learning spaces, purpose-built Early Learning Centre, Snow Concert Hall, libraries and sporting amenities. “From the heritage-listed quadrangle to the chapel, every corner echoes our dedication to excellence.”

Sandra says CGS has been committed to providing a holistic educational experience from preschool to year 12 for more than 95 years. 

“For parents seeking a nurturing environment where their children can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally, Canberra Grammar School offers an unparalleled opportunity,” she says.

“Our academic philosophy extends beyond textbooks and examinations.

“Through innovative teaching methods, we ignite curiosity and a love for learning.”

Sandra says that through experiential learning, athletics and leadership opportunities, CGS instils a self-assurance rooted in service to others, nurturing leaders of tomorrow. 

“Alongside a robust co-curricular program from sports to arts, we aim to

foster personal growth, resilience and a sense of belonging,” says Sandra. 

Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill. Call 6260 9700, or visit cgs.act.edu.au to register for an Open Day. 

Transformative education for boys

St Edmund’s College, grounded in the Edmund Rice Tradition, stands as a beacon of Catholic education in Canberra, having educated boys for the past 70 years, says principal Joe Zavone. 

“Proudly holding the distinction of being the oldest continuous Catholic school in Canberra, we have fostered an inclusive community that embraces boys from years 4 to 12,” says Joe. 

“We support, challenge, and educate our students whilst providing a diverse program of cultural, pastoral and sporting experiences to enrich their growth and development.”

Embracing the diverse learning styles and needs of students, Joe says St Edmund’s College offers tailored teaching and learning programs designed specifically for boys. 

“Beyond academics, our vibrant Youth Ministry, community service

initiatives and a diverse range of co-curricular activities including sports, performing and creative arts, cultural experiences, camps and excursions, enrich the educational journey of every student,” he says.

Joe says the Sports Academy program offers students in years 11 and 12 early non-ATAR entry to the University of Canberra in a select suite of courses, and their educational partnership programs with the Hyatt Hotel, Canberra Raiders and Accelerate Physiotherapy allows students opportunities to develop their specific skills, offering a broader range of future directions. 

“We extend a warm invitation to visit us in person, to witness firsthand the transformative potential of a St. Edmund’s College education,” he says.

St. Edmund’s College, 110 Canberra Avenue, Griffith. Call 6295 3598 or visit sec.act.edu.au

College sees a decade of student growth

St John Paul II College is a dynamic and high-performing secondary college providing a Catholic education for young men and women from years 7 to 12, says Dr Craig Wattam, principal. 

“We are an inclusive, comprehensive, co-educational high school offering a Catholic values-based education,” says Craig.

“As a member of the Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese, our teachers use evidence-based approaches in the classroom that are proven to work.”

Craig says students are encouraged to take advantage of all that is on offer and to engage in the many opportunities for social justice and charitable works, leadership, sport, and co-curricular activities.

“As a Catholic school, we provide family values, inspired by the life and message of Jesus, in an atmosphere of care and nurture,” he says.

“Our College may still be only 10 years old, but we are proud of the wisdom that resides within our student body. We are driven by our key values of justice, peace and courage.

“We are small enough to know each student well, yet large enough to provide a breadth of curriculum offerings for all students whether they are destined for university, the workforce or an apprenticeship.”

St John Paul II College, 1021 Gungahlin Drive, Nicholls. Call 6163 4800, or visit jpc.act.edu.au

Holistic education to instil a love of learning

Blue Gum Community School is a leading educational institution committed to providing a holistic learning environment that nurtures the academic, social, and emotional development of its students, says principal Sophia Williams.

With a focus on innovation and student-centred approaches, Sophia says Blue Gum Community School prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving world.

Since 2021, Ziggy, the Blue Gum wellbeing dog, has been an important member of the school community, says Sophia, bringing a non-judgemental dimension that enhances the learning environment.

“Perhaps students need a willing listener for their reading/story-telling, or a family advises that their child needs help to overcome their fear of dogs, or  teachers notice a student withdrawing or acting out after parents separate, or classes heading off on an excursion, such as their regular Mt Majura bushwalk,” says Sophia.

“All benefit from Ziggy’s presence and learn to take responsibility for Ziggy’s care, too.” 

For the past 25 years, Blue Gum Community School’s educational approach to learning through deep rigorous research has attracted families keen for their children to be active participants in real-world learning experiences, starting at birth and continuing through to secondary school, says Sophia. 

Whether working in classrooms full of powerful learning stimuli, immersing in the multifaceted possibilities of the creative arts, or setting off on extended outdoor environmental explorations, Sophia says students’ learning is optimised by having two core teachers, plus specialists, in each class. 

Blue Gum Community School, 114 Maitland Street, Hackett. Call 6230 6776 or visit bluegum.act.edu.au

A proudly small and inclusive school

St John Vianney’s Primary School in Waramanga is nestled within expansive and meticulously maintained grounds, offering abundant space for all students, says principal Peter Rodda.

“Our school aspires to emulate the virtues of our Patron Saint, Jean Vianney, by striving for excellence in every endeavour,” he says.

Peter says the school is committed to welcoming children of diverse needs and faith backgrounds, with dedicated support extended to every student and family.

“St John Vianney boasts a team of highly-trained professionals dedicated to delivering top-quality Catholic education,” says Peter.

He says the school uses evidence-based teaching methods, which prioritise explicit and direct instruction, with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy as foundational pillars across all subjects.

“We instil in our students a growth mindset and foster a culture of lifelong learning,” he says.

The school prides itself on its modern resources, including interactive LED boards in every classroom and personalised access to iPads or laptops for students across all year levels, says Peter.

Specialist classes in the performing arts, Italian, library and health programs enrich the students’ educational experience at St John Vianney’s, he says.

“At St John Vianney’s, every student receives personalised attention, and every member of our community is embraced as family,” says Peter.

“It is truly a special community to be a part of.”

Peter says they have Open Days every Wednesday in May, 10.30am-5pm, and on Saturday May 4, 9.30am-12.30pm.

St John Vianney’s Primary School, 91 Namatjira Drive, Waramanga. Call 6288 2383, or visit sjv.act.edu.au

A welcoming environment for teachers and students

While St Mary MacKillop College has all the advantages a large, co-ed secondary school can provide, principal Michael Lee believes that his teachers are its greatest strength.

Michael says MacKillop places a large focus on the recruitment of staff, because “a school can be no greater than the quality of its teachers.”

“When our students graduate, they comment that the best thing about MacKillop was their relationships with teachers and the sense of community,” he says.

“Teachers are central to the culture, community, and sense of identity that schools impart to young people and few professions can claim such responsibility.

“Our teachers are passionate, well-qualified, and believe that students have a right to learn, to be challenged intellectually, and to be given opportunities that broaden their experiences and perspectives.”

Michael says MacKillop will have a unique twist to its Open Night on May 6, with special information for prospective employees on top of the usual information that will be available for future students.

College Captains, Harry Angus and Avari Petersen say visitors to Open Night will find that there’s a lot to like about their school.

“We have amazing people, good teachers, a supportive and welcoming environment, great facilities, and we have had so many opportunities here,” they say.

“We believe any students or staff who are thinking about joining us will really enjoy the MacKillop experience.”

Michael says MacKillop is now accepting enrolments for the 2025 school year. 

St Mary MacKillop College, Junior Campus, Mackinnon St, Wanniassa and Senior Campus, Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains. For information or to register for enrolment events, call 6209 0100 or visit mackillop.act.edu.au

Experience the heartbeat of Emmaus

Emmaus Christian School in Dickson began in 1996 when a group of parents went out for dinner and the topic of schools was discussed, says principal Melanie Spencer.

She says lively conversation left them with the question, “why can’t we start our own school?” 

It’s hard to imagine that this small group of passionate and committed parents would envisage what Emmaus has become, she says. 

Melanie says Emmaus is now a thriving school of more than 600 students, from three-year-old preschoolers to year 10.

“Emmaus is a highly regarded, faithful Christian school, characterised by a sense of belonging, and a history of devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which sits at the centre of our community’s belief, engagement and learning,” says Melanie.

Melanie says a community truly thrives when its members are physically, emotionally and spiritually well, as such, the school also provides programs of Christian education, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunities.

“As the school continues to grow, I look forward to welcoming families to our school’s Open Night on Wednesday, May 8.  

“This provides an opportunity to experience the heartbeat of our school, see our beautiful purpose-built facilities and meet our high-calibre teaching staff.”

Melanie says Emmaus Preschool will offer a “Stay and Play” for those interested in exploring the three and four-year-old program, beginning at 4pm.  

School tours through the primary and secondary campus commence at 5pm but bookings are essential, says Melanie. 

Emmaus Christian School, 73 Davenport Street, Dickson. Call 6247 7151 or visit emmaus.act.edu.au

Giving kids a headstart on their schooling

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre understands that the first five years of a child’s life are crucial for development, says owner Kristen O’Connor.

“Kidstart offers classes for children from five months to five years of age to develop them socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually,” she says.

Operating since 1996 and located in Wanniassa, Kristen says Kidstart offers three distinct and age-appropriate programs to ignite a love of learning.

The first program is for children under the age of three, to attend with an adult, and introduces them to music, stories and stimulating equipment.

The second program is a “Pre-Preschool” program for three and four-year-olds to attend by themselves before starting preschool.

“It has been amazing to see 22 years’ worth kids and their families growing, loving, enjoying and benefiting from the program,” says Kristen.

The third program is Preschool PLUS. It’s designed for children to be involved alongside Preschool. The program is centred on phonics based literacy. 

“We use interactive computer sessions to expose the children to the letter sounds, letter identification and letter formation,” says Kristen.

“We are passionate about developing a love of learning in each and every child.

“By allowing them to thrive in an educational setting and experience the joy in exploring and achieving, we hope learning will be a lifelong passion for all our Kidstart kids.”

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. For enrolment enquiries visit kidstart.com.au