At Wollemi College, we believe every child deserves to grow into a confident young man—happy, resilient, faith-filled, and equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. But we also understand that the path to raising such a person isn’t always clear or easy.

Modern parenting is not without its challenges. You may feel the pressure of unrealistic expectations, limited time, or a lack of support. You might even wonder how best to guide your child through a world full of distractions and influences that may not align with your values.

We understand because we’re parents too.

At Wollemi College, you’re not alone. As a school of The Pared Foundation (Pared), we are part of a network of Independent Catholic Schools inspired by the teachings of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. He taught that parents are the primary educators of their children, and that schools exist to support, not replace, that vital role. Today, his vision lives on in hundreds of schools across the world—schools like ours.

What makes us unique is our personalised Mentoring System pioneered in Australia by Pared in 1982. This ensures that our educational input is effectively tailored to the individual student and is centred around education of the ‘whole person’—integrating the pursuit of academic excellence, the acquisition of skills and the development of the student’s character.

The Pared Education System is based on the following principles:

• The education of children is primarily the responsibility of parents and is determined to a great extent by the personal example of the parents themselves.
• The student benefits most when there is harmony between parents and between home and school; therefore, parents and teachers should try to develop in the qualities they wish the students to acquire.
• Teachers are vital partners with parents in a common endeavour. The basis of this partnership is a loyal and mutual understanding of each other’s complementary roles.
• Parents and teachers need ongoing professional development as educators who are striving for excellence.

Keeping home and school united through this close collaboration, regular support for parents, and a strong community, you and your family have every shot at achieving your main task: to raise your son into a man of strong character.

Curriculum

Learning reflects the diverse nature of the teachers and students and complements the values that we share with parents.

Our aim is to challenge each student to reach his full academic potential by effective classroom teaching and the development of internalised motivation, as well as sound habits of responsibility, scholarship, and respect for truth.

In addition to satisfying the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum requirements for all the Key Learning Areas, distinctive features of the Wollemi Curriculum include:

• The structured and systematic Spalding approach to teaching language and literacy, emphasising the phonetic components of language
• Study of a modern language and a general emphasis on history studies throughout the College to foster a universal outlook and cultural depth in students
• Honours programs for students in Years 7-10 in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Art, and Music, allowing the ablest students to discover new challenges
• An integrated approach to the personal development curriculum, delivering selected PDHPE syllabus content through PDHPE and religion classes, mentor sessions, and at home from parents
• IT facilities and curriculum integrated into studies
  Ongoing studies in Catholic teaching, open to all students
• Specific qualities of character are highlighted each week in all areas of the College. Over time in each class, the class teacher reviews in a practical manner the full range of qualities that make up a well-rounded personality. The emphasis in this program is to equip the students with a multiplicity of practical approaches and to see personal development in these terms
• The opportunity to benefit from an ongoing and wide-ranging program of guest expert speakers.

Your son’s wellbeing is central to everything we do at Wollemi. We believe boys thrive when they feel safe, respected, and genuinely known and loved by the people around them.

From day-to-day classroom interactions to our one-on-one Mentoring System, all aspect of Wollemi life is intentionally designed to support your son’s social, emotional and spiritual growth. Our teachers, mentors, and leadership team work closely to create a school culture built on trust and care. Every boy is seen and supported.

We recognise that each student’s path is unique. While many needs are met through the strong relationships formed with staff and mentors, additional care is available when needed. Our school counsellor offers confidential guidance and support, working collaboratively with families and staff to help boys navigate challenges and build emotional resilience. Where additional support is needed beyond the school environment, we’re here to walk alongside families, offering direction and encouragement as they seek the right professional care.

Spiritual wellbeing is also at the heart of our approach. Our Chaplaincy provides opportunities for students to reflect, grow in faith, and receive pastoral care through daily Mass, confession, and personal conversations with the Chaplain.

Whether it’s a reassuring word from a mentor, a moment of support in the classroom, or a quiet conversation about life and faith, your son is never alone at Wollemi. Our approach to wellbeing is relational, responsive, and deeply personal.

Wollemi College is an extraordinary place. Do not measure our College by its expansive grounds, the commitment of parents and staff, our NAPLAN record or even by the impressive HSC results of its first graduates in 2011. All these things are true but our College has far more to offer than all this.

The education we offer is based on expertise in the classroom, unity between parents and teachers, idealism and generosity in families, the best of support for parents, understanding of character education, and most of all, on the inestimable advantage of having Our Lord with us in the Blessed Sacrament in the College Chapel.

We have sought to provide a most comprehensive view of the College through these pages, but a walk around in person is always better. I invite you to attend one of our Open Days.

What a terrific school you will find.