History:
In 1997, the Sisters of Mercy, the Christian Brothers, and the Sisters of St Joseph established MacKillop Family Services. This amalgamation brought together St Helens Primary, St Augustine鈥檚, and St Vincent鈥檚 schools laying the foundation for specialist education programs that later evolved into MacKillop Education. In 2011, St Augustine鈥檚 Education & Training was renamed MacKillop Specialist School, reaffirming its commitment to supporting children and young people who had become disengaged from learning and were unable to thrive in mainstream education. The curriculum was designed to emphasise practical, hands-on experiences across diverse settings, extending learning opportunities well beyond the traditional classroom environment.
In 2014, the school was registered as MacKillop Specialist School. It implemented the Victorian Curriculum and provided individualised and differentiated learning and teaching, to support the complex and diverse needs of our students. As the student enrolment numbers continued to increase, we extended our curriculum to offer the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, supporting our secondary students to complete a senior certificate and enhancing their opportunities for post-secondary pathways.
In 2017, in recognition of both the need and demand for the distinctive learning environment we could provide, an additional primary school was opened in Maidstone for students in Years 3 to 6.
In 2020, in response to the needs of students and families in Melbourne鈥檚 south, we opened a school in North Caulfield, for students from Foundation to Year 12 (VCE 鈥� VM & VPC).
In this same year, in celebration of our commitment to learning diversity and inclusive practices, we launched our new school logo and branding, creating a consistent identity for our three schools.
In 2024, MacKillop Education opened its fourth school and its first in NSW. As an Independent Special Assistance school, Waranara supports children and young people in years 9-12 who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from education. Through trauma-informed, differentiated and targeted interventions we help students to continue their education journey.
In 2025, MacKillop Education opened its fourth Victorian school and fifth overall. Providing targeted, personalised learning experiences for every student, the Clifton Hill school is a Foundation to Year 12 school.
Description:
MacKillop Specialist School is part of the education services provided by MacKillop Family Services.
MacKillop Specialist School, a service of MacKillop Family Services, provides tailored educational programs for children and young people who are disengaged, or at risk of disengaging, from learning. We support students whose complex learning, social, emotional, and behavioural needs have made it challenging to thrive in mainstream educational settings.
Students are referred to the school by government and non-government schools, Melbourne 蜜桃视频 Catholic Schools (蜜桃视频), the Department of Education, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and a range of health and community service organisations.
Our goal is to help students overcome barriers to learning, build confidence, and achieve meaningful educational success. Through individualised learning programs and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), we support students to develop their academic, personal, and social capabilities while working towards positive future pathways. This may include a successful transition back to mainstream education or engagement in alternative education, training, or employment opportunities.
A dedicated Wellbeing Team works alongside students, families, carers, and external support services to provide holistic, wraparound support. Teaching staff play a key role in developing, implementing, and reviewing Individual Education and Safety Plans, supporting student transitions, and identifying pathways that promote long-term success and wellbeing.
At MacKillop Specialist Schools, collaboration is central to our approach. We work within a multidisciplinary framework, drawing on the expertise of educators, wellbeing practitioners, allied health professionals, and community partners to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Together, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Features:
1. MacKillop Education Services offers programs to children and young people from Catholic, state and independent schools who:
鈥� have an identified disability (cognitive, social or emotional)
鈥� are disengaged or who are at risk of disengaging from education
鈥� are identified as having mental health challenges including anxiety and depression
鈥� have a history and/or ongoing experience of trauma that impacts on their learning.
2. Classes have a ratio of 1 key teacher to 8 students. In both the primary and secondary levels, Education Support Staff provide additional support in the classroom or in small groups.
3. Student Support Group Meetings are held each term. Every student has an Individual Education Plan and Safety Plan.
4. Care Team Meetings ensure ongoing collaboration with parents/guardians, professionals and key support personnel to enhance the educational outcomes for students.
5. Alternative programs, including 1:1 support, are available for children and young people who are not able to engage in learning in a classroom environment, due to significant barriers.
6. Host schools who refer a student to MacKillop Specialist School, agree to provide ongoing support to the student by attending :
i) Referral Interviews
ii) Student Support Group Meetings
iii) Transition Meetings and collaborating with MacKillop to develop a transition plan that supports the student's return to their host school.