International
Werribee is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is situated on the Werribee River, approximately halfway between Melbourne and Geelong. Its commercial center is only a five minute walk from the College. No matter which country you are from, you will feel comfortable here as 33% of our population speak a language other than English and Werribee is the home of more than 70 ethnic groups (Census_2016).
Werribee was established as an agricultural settlement in the 1850s, originally named Wyndham and was renamed Werribee (derived from the aboriginal name meaning ‘backbone’ or ‘spine’ in reference to the river’s shape as it meanders through the commercial center) in 1904.
The suburb is best known for its major tourist attractions, which include the former estate of wealthy pastoralist Thomas Chirnside, known as Werribee Park, the Victoria State Rose Garden, the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre and the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
For more information please visit Werribee.
Please use the sidebar menu button below (left) to view directions or the expand button on the far right to open in a new window.
Transport
There are several options available for travel around Werribee. Trains, trams and bus information can be found here at Public Transport Victoria.
A myki card is Melbourne’s ticket to travel on trains, trams and buses. Please click here to find out about myki cards.
Weather
Our weather varies greatly and you can experience all the seasons in one day. In summer (Dec-Feb) temperatures can range from 15-400 Celsius. On our hot days the heat is dry rather than humid. In winter (Jun-Aug) temperatures usually range form 8-150 Celsius with the nights capable of reaching 20 Celsius. Melbourne’s annual average temperature is 150 Celsius and our annual rainfall is 655mm. The College has its own weather station and its live readings are accessible on this website.
Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am until 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and until 5.00pm on Fridays. All the major Australian banks can be found in Watton Street in the commercial center of Werribee. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available 24 hours a day. Credit\Debit Cards are used at ATMs and can also be used at the College’s office to pay school fees. For security purposes PIN or security numbers are not to be shared.
Voltage
Australia’s electricity voltage for domestic use is AC 240 volts, 50 cycle and we use a distinctive three pronged pin. Adaptors are readily accessible at many shops as well as the airport in Australia.
MacKillop College has a proud history of academic success and many students proceed to a variety of university courses or transition into the workforce. Our education programs provide students with alternative pathways each with a wide range of subject choice and extracurricular programs. These all assist in developing students’ unique talents and further supports their journey of English proficiency.
Years of schooling 7 – 9
Further information, programs and handbooks can be located by the following link:
Pathways within the College
Students at MacKillop enroll at either Year 10, 11 or 12 and their senior pathways can start at either Year 10 or 11 depending on their competency and readiness – as adequate levels of English must be reached. They can study either the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Students can study Vocational Education and Training (VET) units in either VCAL or VCE.
As students enter the Senior Years they are able to select a course of study, which caters for their interests and is consistent with their abilities. Having the option to complete this over two-three years allows students the flexibility to tailor a program to meet their needs for both current learning and future pathways.
Overview of subjects offered in the pathways:
Year 10 and VCE Pathway
VCAL Pathway
Our facilities enhance our learning and teaching. This is not just our opinion, but that of our students, our parents or our community. It is also that of the Learning Environments Applied Research Network (LEaRN), the University of Melbourne and Catholic Education Melbourne. In their evidence based approach research 2015-2017, titled ‘Towards Effective Learning Environments’ (TELE-Project), they found that our educational community, especially our students:
- like the character and aesthetics of our learning spaces
- feel safe in their learning spaces
- believe our facilities provide opportunities for agile and flexible use
- are adequately resourced
- comfortable and
- purposefully designed
If you would like to see for yourself take our virtual tour to see our contemporary facilities.
The famous You Yangs (a backdrop to the Werribee Region)
The wellbeing and safety of our students is paramount and we have support systems in place so that our students feel and are safe and cared for.
Student Support
The International Programs Coordinator is responsible for the care of international students in our programs. The coordinator works jointly with our EAL coordinator, designated homeroom teacher, Year Level Coordinators and Director of Wellbeing depending on the need when international students are concerned. Assistance is available in all aspects of our students’ wellbeing, including welfare, homestay matters and academic issues.
The International Programs Coordinator oversees the homestay program and maintains constant contact with both students and host families. Enrolment matters are managed by the International Registrar.
The Careers Counsellor and Careers Coordinator work closely with international students and their teachers in assisting with subject choice, career advice and University entrance.
The progress of the students in the College is monitored closely and parents receive regular reports on academic and other matters. Telephone contact, with interpreters as necessary, is encouraged for solving problems as promptly as possible.
Bungey’s Hole on the Werribee River
MacKillop College requires all international students enrolled at the College, irrespective of age, to obtain homestay accommodation approved by the College. Students are not permitted to live independently or without adult supervision.
Where students under the age of 18 are not being cared for in Australia by a parent or suitable nominated relative, MacKillop College ensures that the arrangements made to protect the personal safety and social well-being of those students are appropriate.
Secondary students under 13 years of age must live with and be cared for by a parent, or a relative approved by The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). Homestay is not available for students aged 13 or younger.
After you accept your Enrolment Letter of Offer you will be sent Homestay documents to be completed and returned. For more information please follow the link to enrolments for more details.
Every effort is made by the College to fulfil the homestay requests of students.
To apply to become an international student at MacKillop College the applicant must firstly express interest via an email to international@mackillop.vic.edu.au or using the form below.
[contact-form-7 id=”12688″ title=”Contact-International”]
Once processed, the College’s International Registrar will then forward our Enrolment Application Form – International Students.
The applicant needs to return the following to the International Registrar:
- a completed Enrolment Application Form –International Students
- a copy of the International English Language Test System (IELTS) results, Australian Assessment Services (AEAS) results or equivalent test results
- an Application Fee
Once approved the applicant will receive a Letter of Offer and Acceptance of Offer accompanied by a document that helps you understand your offer. Then when the offer has been accepted and the initial fee deposited, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Student Welfare Letter (CAAW).
If agents are interested in representing students please email the College at international@mackillop.vic.edu.au or submit an enquiry. We will then forward an agent pre-agreement questionnaire and, floowing acceptable referee checks, we will forward our agency agreement.
