This year, St Carlo's participated in a school review, which takes place every four years. The MACS school review process is an important opportunity for schools to reflect on their progress, celebrate strengths and identify future priorities for improvement. The review involves gathering evidence from a range of sources, including school data, documentation, classroom observations and conversations with students, staff, parents and school leaders. The process provides valuable feedback on how well the school is meeting the needs of its students and community, while also supporting future planning. Most importantly, the review helps affirm the good work already taking place and guides the school in continuing to grow, improve and provide the best possible learning environment for every child.
Summary of our school review:
Extremely affirming review recognising strong Catholic identity, professional culture and student engagement.
Clear evidence of sustained improvement in learning, wellbeing and leadership practices.
Strong community reputation and enrolment demand highlighted.
Review confirms the school is well positioned for future growth and continued improvement.
Key Message from the Reviewer:
Catholic Identity & Mission
Catholic ethos deeply embeddedacross all aspects of school life
Welcoming, inclusive and faith-filled community strongly evident
Gospel values clearly lived through relationships, prayer, liturgy and service
Strong partnership with the parish supporting prayer, sacraments and faith formation
Visible Catholic identity through prayer, scripture, symbols and traditions
Social justice initiatives and community outreach highly valued and visible and students were recognised for involvement in service opportunities
Strong pastoral care supporting students and families
Staff faith formation and RE professional learning recognised as key strengths
Professional learning in Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching positively impacting teaching and student engagement
“St Carlo Borromeo School is a welcoming, inclusive and faith-filled Catholic community where Gospel values are authentically lived each day through relationships, prayer, learning and service.”
Leadership & Professional Culture
Collaborative and growth-focused professional culture recognised as a major strength
Instructional leadership improving teacher practice and consistency across the school
Strong trust, support and collegiality evident across leadership and staff
Professional learning strategically aligned to school improvement priorities
Feedback, coaching and reflective practice supporting continuous improvement
Strong collective efficacy and collaboration across teams
Leadership commended for effectively managing change and school improvement initiatives
Successful implementation of the MACS Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement recognised
Effective systems, procedures and communication supporting school operations and improvement
Strong strategic planning and resource management identified as foundational strengths
"St Carlo Borromeo School demonstrates a highly collaborative professional culture where strong instructional leadership, trust and collective responsibility are driving continuous improvement and positive outcomes for students.”
Learning & Teaching
Curriculum documentation identified as comprehensive, sequential and consistent across year levels
Explicit teaching practices clearly evident across classrooms
Strong alignment to the MACS Vision for Instruction recognised
Collaborative planning, assessment and moderation practices supporting consistency
High levels of student engagement observed during classroom learning
Positive classroom culture and strong learning dispositions evident
Improved Mathematics outcomes recognised across the school
Explicit teaching and targeted intervention strengthening student confidence and engagement in Mathematics
Strong literacy foundations acknowledged
Effective use of multi-tiered systems of support and intervention programs recognised
“St Carlo Borromeo School demonstrates strong instructional consistency through explicit teaching, collaborative practice and evidence-based approaches that are positively impacting student engagement, confidence and achievement.”
Student Wellbeing & Engagement
Whole-school approach linking wellbeing, engagement, learning and faith strongly affirmed
Positive, respectful and safe school culture evident across classrooms and playgrounds
Strong behaviour culture supporting calm and productive learning environments
Berry Street, RRRR, SEL and Better Buddies programs contributing positively to school climate
Student leadership opportunities supporting engagement and belonging
Students reported strong relationships with teachers and staff
High levels of student voice, self-regulation and engagement recognised
Students confident in seeking support when needed
Pastoral care and family support systems acknowledged as proactive and effective
Attendance processes and wellbeing supports recognised as strong and responsive
"St Carlo Borromeo School demonstrates a strong culture of wellbeing, belonging and engagement where students feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive academically, socially and spiritually.”
Community & Parent Partnerships
Strong community reputation and positive school culture highlighted
Families highly value the welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment
Strong parent partnerships in learning and faith formation recognised
Parent workshops and communication practices acknowledged positively
Effective use of communication platforms strengthening family engagement
High levels of participation in liturgical, social and community events
Classroom involvement and sacramental programs supporting strong family connections
Positive culture and pastoral care identified as key strengths of the school
Sustained enrolment demand recognised as a reflection of community confidence in the school
Significant investment in facilities, technology and contemporary learning environments commended
“St Carlo Borromeo School is highly regarded for its strong sense of community, positive culture and authentic partnerships with families that support student learning, wellbeing and faith development.”
Conclusion:
The review presents a highly positive picture of St Carlo Borromeo School.
The school is recognised as a thriving Catholic learning community.
Strong foundations, clear direction and a positive culture position the school well for the future.
The challenge moving forward is to continue refining practice while maintaining the strong relational culture already established.
