Mary MacKillop College Archives

Mary MacKillop College Names 2026 College Captains In Nundah

Two students at Mary MacKillop College in Nundah have been selected to lead their school community in 2026 as part of Brisbane Catholic Education’s annual student leadership appointments.

Leadership Appointments Announced For 2026

Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has appointed Isabella and Giselle as its College Captains for the 2026 school year.

The announcement was included in Brisbane Catholic Education’s update published on 11 February 2026, marking the beginning of the academic year across its 146 schools in South East Queensland. A total of 86 College Captains were confirmed across secondary and Prep to Year 12 camp

Integrity Theme At Mary MacKillop In Nundah

For 2026, Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has adopted Integrity as its annual theme. The newly appointed captains outlined a focus on encouraging collective responsibility among students and within the broader college community throughout the year.

The appointments form part of the wider leadership announcements made across Brisbane Catholic Education secondary schools for 2026.

About Mary MacKillop College, Nundah

Mary MacKillop College is a Catholic girls’ secondary college for Years 7 to 12 located at 60 Bage Street, Nundah QLD 4012. The college was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph and serves approximately 500 students.

The school outlines a commitment to supporting students’ intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development. It delivers a diverse curriculum and operates a one-to-one laptop program, with each student provided access to a computer for learning.

In addition to standard classroom programs, the college offers extended opportunities including social justice initiatives, university studies, work placements, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. Students are supported through a Learning and Enrichment Faculty, as well as access to a Career Advisor and Counsellor.

Brisbane Catholic Education’s 2026 announcement confirms student leadership appointments across its network as the school year commences, with Mary MacKillop College in Nundah among those represented.

Published 16-Feb-2026

Teacher Recognised for Excellence in Nundah

A teacher from Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has been recognised for his innovative teaching and commitment to student development, receiving the 2025 ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary) at the Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards.

Passion and Purpose in the Classroom

Educator Adam Munro, who began teaching in mid-2023, has made a strong impact at Mary MacKillop College, Nundah. In less than two years, he has been acknowledged for transforming learning through creative teaching methods and active involvement in school life.

Recognition for Early Achievement

At the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards, Munro received the ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary). The recognition highlights his leadership in curriculum design and his ability to connect with students both in class and through extracurricular activities.

Innovative Learning and School Podcast

Munro has been instrumental in launching the school’s podcast, Words of Wisdom, hosted by Principal Erin Wedge. The podcast features alumnae and staff discussing topics such as women in sport, mental health, and preparing students for life beyond school, helping strengthen ties with the broader school community.

Dedication Beyond the Classroom

Outside the classroom, Munro dedicates time to coaching volleyball and athletics, performing with the College choir, and assisting in school events. His focus on wellbeing and inclusion has contributed to a supportive learning environment.

A Full-Circle Journey

Having attended All Saints Primary School in Albany Creek, Munro said his own experience in Catholic education inspired him to give back to the system that shaped his early learning. Teaching English and Drama at Mary MacKillop College has allowed him to fulfil that goal.

Broader Contributions to Education

Munro serves as an Executive Committee member of the Australian Teachers of Media Queensland (ATOM QLD), helping develop the state conference, presenting workshops, and hosting the Queensland Youth TheatreSports competition, which unites students from across South East Queensland.

Community Support in Nundah

Mary MacKillop College shared its congratulations on social media, with messages of support from colleagues, students, and community members acknowledging Munro’s dedication and enthusiasm.

Recognising Teachers’ Impact

The BCE Excellence Awards coincided with Queensland World Teachers’ Day, an occasion that celebrates educators’ contributions and positive influence across the community.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Mary MacKillop College in Nundah Opens New State-of-the-Art Learning Facility

Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has launched its brand-new McCormack facility, a three-storey building equipped with modern learning spaces, including a cutting-edge STEM lab, to accommodate its growing student population.

McCormack Building Enhances Learning

The new building aims to foster greater collaboration and active participation in lessons.

The newly opened McCormack building features an undercroft area, various classrooms, and a library named The Tenison Woods Library. This library includes a classroom, two seminar rooms, and a meeting room, offering views of Brisbane Port and the Nundah area.

A significant addition is the upper-level STEM makerspace, which boasts a design studio complete with 3D printers. According to a college representative, the students are excited about these new resources and the more comfortable, modern environment they provide for their studies.

Existing Spaces Reimagined

In addition to the new construction, Mary MacKillop College has refurbished existing areas. The former Tenison Woods Library has been transformed into two new Maryvale classrooms. These classrooms now feature brand new furniture and an open-plan design to encourage student engagement further. This area also includes two new meeting rooms for staff and students.

Supporting Innovative Learning

These updated facilities are designed to support Mary MacKillop College’s Innovation Project for students in Years 7 to 9. A representative stated that these spaces allow educators to engage students in active learning, encouraging movement, collaboration, and critical thinking. The college has already observed increased engagement and improved student outcomes due to these new learning environments.

Addressing Growth and Future Skills

With student enrolment numbers now at 620 and rising, the new facilities are crucial in meeting the increasing demands of the local community. The STEM makerspace is particularly important for preparing students for future careers in rapidly evolving fields such as engineering, technology, robotics, and design.

The college believes these spaces will allow students to develop their skills, confidence, and creativity in these growing industries, reinforcing its dedication to providing an optimal learning environment.

Future Development

Further developments at the college include the construction of a new car park, which is expected to be completed around September 2025.

Published Date 13-May-2025

Mary MacKillop College Soars in 2023 Queensland High School Rankings

Photo Credit: Mary MacKillop College

Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has experienced a notable rise in the latest rankings of Queensland’s top 150 high schools, released by the independent education website Better Education. The Catholic girls’ secondary school, established in 1964 and named after Australia’s first saint, jumped 26 places, moving from 137th in 2022 to 111th in the 2023 rankings.

This significant improvement reflects the college’s dedication to academic excellence and providing a supportive environment for its students.

With a rich history rooted in the Josephite tradition, Mary MacKillop College fosters a nurturing atmosphere where each individual is known and supported. The college’s values of faith, community, and pastoral care, combined with a strong focus on academic achievement, have contributed to the school’s recent success. Established as Mount St. Joseph’s Students Secondary School, it underwent name changes in 1970 and 2009, eventually becoming Mary MacKillop College in honour of the revered saint.

Based on Year 9 English and Maths test results in 2023, the rankings showcase a range of high-performing schools across the state. While the top four positions remained unchanged, private schools outside Brisbane have shown the most significant advancements. Annandale Christian College in Townsville made a remarkable leap of 74 places, while St Luke’s Anglican School in Bundaberg and Tamborine Mountain State High School also rose notably in the rankings.

Mary MacKillop College’s impressive progress is a testament to the students and staff’s hard work and dedication. The college offers diverse academic and extracurricular programmes, including a renowned music programme and extensive sporting opportunities. This holistic approach to education and a strong sense of community have fostered an environment where students can thrive.

The 2023 rankings also welcomed 19 new entries, including Padua College and Brisbane South Secondary College, which debuted within the top 50. Other newcomers to the list include Samford Valley Steiner School, Gold Coast Christian College, Clayfield College, Charters Towers School of Distance Education, and Unity College on the Sunshine Coast.

Overall, the latest Queensland high school rankings demonstrate a commitment to quality education across the state, with public and private schools striving for excellence. Mary MacKillop College’s significant improvement is a shining example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedication and a focus on student success.

Published Date 25-July-2024

Mary MacKillop College Earns Spot in Top 150 QLD Schools

Mary MacKillop College, a Catholic girls’ secondary school in Nundah, has recently been recognised in the latest top 150 schools for Queensland.

Read: Nudgee State School: A Long and Proud History and an Enduring Legacy

According to data from the independent website Better Education, the college secured the 111th position, a notable rise from its previous ranking of 137. This achievement reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence, as highlighted by their impressive state overall score of 93 percent.

With an enrollment of around 600 students, Mary MacKillop College provides a nurturing environment where each student is known and supported. The college prides itself on fostering a community where the strengths of every young woman are recognised and nurtured.

Photo credit: Mary MacKillop College, Nundah/Facebook

Founded by the Sisters of St Joseph, the college embodies the vision of Mary MacKillop, emphasising a holistic education that nurtures the hearts, minds, and strengths of its students.

Curriculum and Educational Philosophy

The curriculum at Mary MacKillop College is designed to cater to the diverse needs of students from Years 7 to 12. The school offers a broad and innovative curriculum where teachers are dedicated to maximising the potential of each student.

Students have the opportunity to explore various specialist and elective subjects each term, including Design Technologies, Digital Technologies, Drama, Economics and Business, Media Arts, Music, and Visual Art.

This diverse curriculum ensures that students not only build foundational skills necessary for academic success but also experience a wide range of educational opportunities that help them discover and develop their individual interests and talents.

Understanding the Rankings

The rankings by Better Education are based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic performance indicators. These include the median Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) study score, the percentage of high VCE scores, distinguished achievers in Higher School Certificate exams, median ATAR scores, and other significant metrics such as the performance in Queensland Certificate of Education. This thorough assessment ensures that the rankings reflect the true academic capabilities and achievements of the schools.

The improvement from 137th to 111th place highlights the effective strategies and hard work of both the students and the staff. It underscores the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the future of its students.

Read: Nundah Teen Kate Kindleysides Gets Top Prize at Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns

A Bright Future Ahead

As the school continues to strive for excellence, its achievements in the 2023 rankings serve as a motivation for further progress. The college remains dedicated to its mission of providing a comprehensive and enriching education that prepares young women for future success. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Mary MacKillop College is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the years to come.

Published 10-June-2024