Caritas College

History

Caritas College is a Reception to Year 12 Catholic co-educational College located in Port Augusta SA. Caritas College has a significant history with Mary Mackillop and two sisters beginning the original Catholic school in Port Augusta in 1871. Our motto ‘In Omnibus Caritas’, In All Things Love is the inspiration for the school’s vision for education. Caritas College strives to fulfil its mission through the provision of a holistic and inclusive curriculum enabling students to grow in confidence, skills and knowledge in the love and service of others. Caritas College, in partnership with families, fosters and nurtures a love of learning in the lives of children and young people, particularly for those who are disadvantaged in any form. 

A special feature of the College is the availability of accommodation at MacKillop House which provides five- day accommodation for rural students attending Caritas. The College has an R-12 enrolment of 655 students including a number of indigenous students. Caritas College is proud of the partnerships it has within the local community with the College playing a significant role through the provision of a contemporary curriculum where students are able to pursue their post school learning via a tertiary, TAFE, industry or employment pathway. Caritas College caters for a variety of learners with the capacity for seamless learning to take place from Reception to Year 12 on the one site. 

The curriculum is based on the SA Curriculum Standards and Accountability Framework and the SA Certificate of Education for senior students. Caritas was a trial school for the Australian Curriculum and hence is well poised for the implementation of the curriculum from 2011. A commitment to developing literacy and numeracy skills across R-12 and implementing contemporary pedagogy in all learning areas are key foci of the school.  Religious Education is the first learning area and is accessible and contemporary, complementing the retreat program and the liturgical and Sacramental life of the Catholic Parish of All Saints. Opportunities for prayer, listening and reflection are highly valued at Caritas College. The provision of a Language program where junior learners experience the richness of the Italian culture and middle and senior learners have the opportunity to develop language skills in Spanish is appreciated by students.

The performing and visual arts are available to students promoting confidence in performance. A comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum enables students to participate in local, regional sporting events and outdoor pursuits. The College facilities are modern and contemporary with students engaging in learning and accessing technology across all learning areas. A Trade Training Centre will provide students with direct links to the energy supply industry.  Caritas College is a school focused on learning with the expressed vision of providing affordable and accessible Catholic education.