Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Catholic education affordable for my family?

For Australian residents and citizens, our annual family fee $2,030 (2023) and this is increases by 3% each year.

In addition, we charge levies for each child. This is used to provide curriculum programs and equipment. Further details can be found on this website.
Levies are all inclusive of stationery/consumables, ICT and Excursions/Incursions. They range from $785 (prep)- $1185(yr 6).(2023)
Parents have a range of options for payment: In full by the end of the first term has a small discount. Regular term, fortnight or even weekly payments can be made by direct debit. Discounts may be available for Healthcare Card holders.

This fee is reviewed regularly.

As a Catholic parish primary school we always aim to keep tuition fees as low as possible. Government funding covers 80% of the total running costs of the school which includes staff salaries and education resources. Scholarships are offered in some cases to assist families in need.

It is our goal to ensure that Catholic Education is accessible to all families who share its philosophy and aims.

Do you have to be Catholic?

Students and their families do not need to be Catholic to be welcomed at St Mary Magdalen’s. We are the only school within the Parish boundary and a 2km radius. We have therefore always aimed to serve the whole community. We have children from many faiths in our school. We welcome enrolments from families who want an education based on sound values of dignity, respect and the flourishing of each person.

What are your results like?

Our program is based on the Victorian Curriculum and our teachers participate in ongoing professional learning to implement the curriculum. This is provided through Catholic Education Melbourne and external consultants to ensure our teachers are provided with contemporary and research-based and informed practices to teach your children.

Information on the MySchool Website shows that our results are comparable to neighbouring schools. Our students have diverse learning needs and we subscribe to the belief that all students have entitlement to learning growth, not just those that need help or the elite. We strive to present a program that caters for diverse needs, capabilities, strengths and interests.

Will my child be safe?

The school has enacted the Child Safe Standards and reinforces a culture of safety.

We believe that all students need to learn the skills of social and emotional wellbeing so we explicitly teach a Positive Behaviour for Learning program. Behaviour management strategies are consistent within the school.

We have a comprehensive student wellbeing program with a fulltime staff member employed to lead the social/emotional wellbeing program and to also provide chaplaincy services to students.

We access psychological services when needed. We also access the services of specialists in speech therapy and psychological assessments through Catholic Education Melbourne as needed.

All staff members are trained in First Aid.

Click here for more information about child safety at St Mary Magdalen's.

Where do the students from St Mary Magdalen's go to secondary school?

If parents choose a Catholic secondary education, our boys have guaranteed entry into Salesian College, Chadstone regardless of faith background. Girls also have access to Avila College in Mt Waverley.

Other Catholic Colleges are Mazenod, St Kevin's or De La Salle Colleges for boys. Sacred Heart or Sienna for girls.

Emmaus College (Vermont South) is a Catholic co-ed college and it also accepts our students.

Government Secondary Colleges are Mt Waverley Secondary College and Ashwood High School. Both are co-ed and accept students from our school.

Will my child be ready for secondary school?

Students who graduate from St Mary Magdalen’s are not only equipped for their next stage of learning, they are prepared for life!

We look forward to what is foundational and functional for learning today and participation in the workforce and community of the future. Our curriculum aims to teach students a broad range of skills and how to contribute positively to the community.

Our religious education program teaches that as Christians and in Catholic Tradition we can make a positive difference in our world. To act justly and ethically and to be spiritual people.

Click here for information about our secondary transition program.

Do you have Out of School Hours Care?

Yes. Our OSHC program is exemplary and is facilitated by Camp Australia. It operates from 7.00 until 8.30 in the morning and from 3.30 until 6.00 in the afternoon.

Subsidies apply to eligible families.

Click here for information about our Before and After School Care and other programs.

To learn more about the many opportunities for your child at St Mary Magdalen's, click here to book your personal tour or call 03 9807 0315.