In this feature we focus on some of Canberra’s top schools and colleges that are currently open to enrolling new students.

Early years lay foundation of lifetime of learning

At Burgmann Anglican School, principal Leonie Harwood says they believe the early years of education lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. 

“As a co-educational school catering to students from our early learning centre through to year 12 across two campuses in Gungahlin, we provide a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, question and develop skills that will shape their future,” says Leonie. 

Beyond academics, Leonie says they offer a rich specialist program, including music, physical education and languages, where dedicated teachers bring passion and expertise to the classroom. 

“At Burgmann, learning is deeply intertwined with wellbeing, community and the Christian life,” she says. 

“We foster a strong sense of belonging where students feel supported, engaged and encouraged to reach their potential.

“Our teachers work in partnership with families to create an environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired.” 

From kindergarten to year 5, Leonie says students build strong academic foundations through evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs. 

As students progress through middle and senior school, Leonie says they build on this foundation by developing independence, leadership and a deeper understanding of their academic and personal strengths. 

“We invite you to discover how Burgmann Anglican School provides an inspiring, well-rounded education from the early years through to year 12,” she says. 

Applications are open for all future years of entry with school tours available on request. 

Burgmann Anglican School, 4 The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin. Visit burgmann.act.edu.au or call 6204 3207.

School’s true strength is its teaching staff

With two new facilities opening at St Mary MacKillop College, principal Michael Lee says the new developments to the school will add a huge range of pathways and opportunities to their students. 

“The PE Centre, which opened on the junior campus (years 7-9), includes two new indoor courts and one multi-purpose outdoor court, as well as a strength and conditioning room and several classrooms,” he says. 

“The performing arts centre, which is based on the senior campus (years 10-12) has provided MacKillop with a new 400-seat theatre, modern dance, music and drama rooms, as well as areas for students to construct sets, design costumes and apply stage make-up.”

Michael says the new facilities at the school underpin the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning at MacKillop. 

“Our facilities are designed by architects in consultation with the teachers who will use those spaces, leading to quality teaching and learning experiences for all our students,” he says. 

“While our students enjoy having modern facilities, the true strength of MacKillop is its teaching staff and the way they seek to get the best out of each and every learner.

“Our teachers are passionate about the school’s vision and firmly believe that each student has a right to learn, be challenged intellectually and be given opportunities that broaden their experiences.” 

The school’s open night is on May 5 with a “Try MacKillop Day” on May 9.

St Mary MacKillop College. Junior campus, MacKinnon Street, Wanniassa. Senior campus, Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains. Call 6209 0100 or visit mackillop.act.edu.au

Preparing students to be ready for the world

Measured not only by marks and medals, Canberra Grammar School Head Justin Garrick says success is measured by character, confidence and curiosity. 

“Whether on the sporting field, in the boarding house, through service, music or academic pursuits, CGS students are ready to thrive in a world of opportunity,” he says. 

CGS has more than 2000 students from across the country and overseas, and is one of the largest independent schools in the region. 

“My time at CGS taught me the importance of collective success,” says graduating student, Angela. 

“Balancing training with academics built my discipline and self-belief.” 

From the International Baccalaureate to their thriving alumni community, the head says CGS connects students to a future limited only by their imagination. 

“We pride ourselves on educating the whole person,” he says. 

Offering students, particularly those from regional and rural communities, access to global pathways, diverse ideas and lifelong networks, Justin Garrick says CGS has had students tell them that boarding plays a powerful role in the region.

“For regional families, choosing CGS is not just a step away from home, it’s a step towards greater possibility,” he says. 

“In our supportive boarding community, students find confidence and connection.” 

“From primary to the rigours of year 12, CGS students are supported to explore their interests, challenge themselves and grow into global citizens with purpose.

“We don’t just prepare students for exams, we prepare them to be ready for the world.”

Canberra Grammar School. 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill. Call 6260 9700 or visit cgs.act.edu.au

Celebrating 50 years of tradition and wisdom

In 2025, St Jude’s in Holder celebrates its 50th anniversary as a Catholic primary school. 

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

“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, co-educational 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.”

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

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

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

St Jude’s is accepting new enrolments for 2025 and 2026 and is hosting an open day, at 9.30am to 11am and 4pm to 6pm, on May 1. 

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

Empowering independence in young women

Established in 1959, Merici is a Catholic college for young women in years seven to 12. 

“We are an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme,” says principal Anna Masters. 

“IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging and international education – which we believe is important for our students.” 

With the MYP mapped to the Australian Curriculum, Anna says the college also offers BSSS certifications. 

“We provide an engaging educational environment, designed to challenge our students to take risks within and beyond the classroom to achieve individual academic excellence,” she says.

Anna says the college is a welcoming community, where authentic relationships are nurtured, and where dignity and integrity are affirmed. 

“We seek to foster within our students a lifelong love of learning, where each young woman is given the opportunity to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually in order to make a positive contribution to society,” she says. 

According to Anna, their excellent outcomes for students are a culmination of striving to live out their mission. 

“Merici empowers women to love life, have hope, be faithful and build futures more wondrous than they dare to dream,” she says. 

Ranked the highest Catholic school in the ACT for Year 12 2024 academic results, Anna encourages families to visit the school during its open day on May 7.

Merici College. Wise Street, Braddon. Call 6243 4100 or visit merici.college

Getting a headstart on education

Kidstart is celebrating its 24th year working with children and owner Kristen O’Connor says it’s a privilege to allow parents and carers to have “all the educational fun with children without having to make the fun, just join in!” 

“We are not a childcare centre, but provide classes with opportunities for each child to develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually through sequential programs full of fun, structured and stimulating activities

“We bring families together to create relationships and connections within the Canberra community.” 

Kidstart is accepting term two enrolments with classes available for children aged five months to five years, Kristen says Kidstart has a program to suit all children before they start school.

“If you want to assist your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, give them the headstart they deserve at Kidstart!” she says.

Operating since 1996, Kristen says Kidstart offers five different age-based programs.

According to Kristen, it’s a privilege to see the children thrive each day, from rolling over on the floor to learning phonics in their literacy program.

“We’re fortunate to have long-serving staff members dedicated to providing the optimum learning environment for all our children at Kidstart.

“There’s a special bond with teaching children, from when they are babies and seeing them grow and develop before heading off to school. 

Kidstart, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Call 0422 406622 or visit kidstart.com.au

Striving to do ordinary things extraordinarily well

St John Vianney’s in Waramanga is a small, inclusive school that nurtures the heart, mind and spirit of its community, says principal Peter Rodda. 

“With a focus on acceptance, excellence and service, the school fosters a welcoming environment where every child is valued,” he says. 

On spacious, well-maintained grounds, Peter says the school offers diverse and engaging play spaces for all students. 

“Following the example of our patron saint, we strive to do ordinary things extraordinarily well,” he says. 

“Children of all needs and faith backgrounds are welcomed and we make every effort to support each student and their family in our school community.” 

Staffed by highly trained, dedicated educators committed to delivering the best of Catholic education, Peter says their teaching approaches are evidence based with a strong emphasis on explicit and direct instruction. 

Featuring interactive LED boards in every classroom and providing all year levels with access to iPads or laptops, Peter says the school is well resourced. 

“Students also benefit from specialist classes in performing arts, Italian, library and science,” he says. 

“Every student receives a child-focused education and every community member is treated like family.

“We don’t just enrol a child, we enrol an entire family.”

Peter encourages school tours for families to see what St John Vianney’s can offer.

Tours are available every Wednesday in May between 10.30am and 5pm or Saturday, May 3, 9.30am-12.30pm.

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

Society that celebrates Italian language and culture

The Dante Alighieri Society (DAS) of Canberra is passionate about the promotion of Italian Language and Culture in Canberra and is pleased to support two initiatives expanding Canberra’s opportunities to engage with Italian culture. 

“We welcome the Viva Italia in Canberra Festival and warmly congratulate the organisers,” says president Franco Papandrea.

“We are also very pleased to join the students at Yarralumla bilingual Primary School to celebrate Dantedì (Dante Day) on March 25, as a tribute to the father of the Italian language.” 

Established in 1957, the Dante Alighieri Society has been offering an authentic experience of Italian language and culture to the Canberra community for more than 65 years and is widely regarded as the best place to learn Italian in the national capital. 

Offering the widest range of adult Italian courses available in Canberra at competitive prices, the society is the only place within the region where non-native Italian speakers can sit exams for the PLIDA certificate of Italian competency. 

Thanks to assistance by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the society employs mother-tongue Italian-language assistants to support Italian classes in Canberra’s schools. 

The society also provides subsidised Italian language courses for children attending schools where the language is not offered. 

Membership of the society is open to anyone and members are provided with an extensive program of cultural and social activities including weekly social conversation groups, special events and social occasions. 

The Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra. Italian Cultural Centre, 80 Franklin Street, Forrest. Call 5117 3996 or visit danteact.org.au