About us

Mary MacKillop College was established by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart to provide the exemplary secondary education for girls. The College is named after St Mary of the Cross MacKillop who devoted her life to the people of Australia through founding, with Julian Tenison Woods, an Order of Sisters who would educate the “children of the bush” and help all those in need.

Out of very humble beginnings at Penola in South Australia has grown a network of Josephite schools with the distinctively Australian characteristic of welcoming all. In our College, excellence is promoted through a belief in the dignity and potential of each individual.

At Mary MacKillop College the tradition of Josephite education is continued in an environment which brings to reality our school motto, “In Omnibus Caritas” - “In all things love”.

We welcome students from a variety of social and ethnic backgrounds. This enriches the life of the College and broadens the experience of our students. Specific programmes for girls foster the development of faith-filled, successful and articulate young women.

Our Old Scholars, who meet on a regular basis, are living examples of the excellent education they have received - academically, socially and spiritually - while at Mary MacKillop College. They are to be found in all fields of endeavour, both traditional and non-traditional.

Mary MacKillop College has a tradition of:

• academic excellence
• participation of students in the life of the school and wider community 
• an enriching multicultural environment 
• broadening the horizons of girls
• care for the needy.