Whitefriars College was established as a Catholic Secondary School for boys by the Carmelite Order in 1961.
Situated in Donvale, the College is located in a unique bushland setting of 19 hectares, making it one of the largest sites of any Catholic College in Melbourne.
Contemplation, Community, Service and Devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus, are basic to the Carmelite Spirituality on which Whitefriars College draws. This spirituality inspires a nurturing educational environment which enables students to feel that they belong; that they can believe in themselves and in that beyond themselves and that they have something to contribute to the world at large. We are living the motto drawn from the Carmelite spirit and tradition: In the care of a loving mother.
A Vertical House system is the basis of our Pastoral Care program. Students become well-known to staff who have a special interest in their holistic development. They are also connected to other students across the Year levels and offer each other leadership and support. Strong Counselling and Chaplaincy services are integral to this program.
Whitefriars students participate in a number of community service activities. These include donating blood, tutoring under-privileged children and assisting many of the local community groups. Students raise money for various charities such as the Carmelite Mission in East Timor, Caritas, Oxfam, special appeals and those adopted by each of our House groups.
Our diverse curriculum challenges students to strive towards high personal achievement. Our well-developed notebook computer program, directed by multi-talented and specialised staff, coupled with extensive resources and an eco-friendly bushland setting, provide the basis for rich and extended learning.
Beyond-the-classroom activities include the Year 7 Transition camp, the Outdoor Learning Program for Year 8-10, the Kairos Retreat in Year 11 and the Community Building Retreat in Year 12. Among a vast variety of co-curricular opportunities, students can also participate in the music instrumental program, drama and musical productions, debating, chess and environmental action.
Comprehensive Physical Education and extensive sports programs, both intra and inter school, underpinned by highly skilled staff and excellent resources are the basis of our endeavours to promote the health and physical development of all students.
An elective Outdoor Education program is also available.
International learning room
Library resource centre
LOTE Resource room x 3
Bush setting x 19 hectares
Design and Technology centre
Basketball courts x 5
Fitness weights and circuit centre
Performing Arts / Drama centre
Religious Education room
Science labs x 7
Visual Arts centre
Canteen
Careers Centre
Chapel
Counselling centre
Cricket nets x 3
Wireless site – laptops for every student
Gymnasium
Media suite
Music centre
Recording studio
Ovals x 2
Soccer pitch
Theatre