History and Philosophy

St. Mary’s Flexible School opened as a registered school in 2015 having transitioned from an annex of St. Dominic’s College, Penrith.

In 2016 we built upon our previously laid foundation skills area, more specifically, introducing Certificate II CEGA. We concentrated on strengthening key community relationships with particular focus on other education and training providers to enhance transition and pathway opportunities for our young people. The same year saw an increase in community support and awareness of our school within in the Western Sydney educational landscape as a special assistance school with varied flexible learning options.

Learning Choices

St Mary’s Flexible School offers an inclusive and non-discriminating learning community to young people who, for a variety of reasons, are disenfranchised from mainstream education. Young people from both genders are enrolled and may come from a variety of language, cultural, and religious backgrounds with sensitivity to Indigenous culture and/or socio-economic disadvantage. Young people are exposed to learning experiences that support their development, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse cultural values that constitute Australian society with specific focus on the needs of young people and families in the Western Sydney/Nepean region.

Importantly, young people are encouraged to participate in decision making processes that affect the school community, their own lives, and the society in which they live. Learning is focused around the individual needs of young people and progress is carefully documented and monitored. Young people, in conjunction with their teachers and youth workers, draft personal learning plans with articulated education pathways. Each of our classes function as a small community lead by a teacher and youth worker who operate as a partnership to facilitate learning options and support young people’s wellbeing and social development.

Young People Voice

St Mary’s Flexible School works with young people who are vulnerable and who may experience a complexity of inter-related needs. Participation and retention are key elements of the St Mary’s FS philosophy and the development of moral reasoning through the application of the four principles prepares young people for responsible citizenship. Learning experiences with our school help to build self-confidence and esteem in young people, promote an optimistic view of their potentialities and future, and assist them to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

In preparation for one of our Semester Award and Report Presentation events, St Mary’s FS young people were asked for their input to the Head of Campus address. The following was shared with our community and guests on the day:

• ‘To look back and think about what has happened’
• ‘To talk about things in the past’
• ‘Going ice skating’
• ‘Eating at a Yum Cha Chinese restaurant in Cabramatta’
• ‘Being with my class workers who are reliable and helpful’
• ‘Visiting the Art Gallery and the Museum’
• ‘Cooking lessons in the kitchen with Ally and Tiff’