At Kolbe Catholic College, we are committed to providing opportunities for Aboriginal students to achieve outstanding educational outcomes. We actively encourage Aboriginal families in the Rockingham and Kwinana District, who want a Catholic education for their children, to consider Kolbe Catholic College.
The College offers annual Aboriginal Scholarships, allowing us to work with and assist families in giving broad career opportunities to young Aboriginal people. We believe that the quality of education and pastoral support at Kolbe has a profound impact on many students of the College, and contributes to improved life choices. Providing opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to interact positively within a Catholic school environment also strengthens our educational program and promotes cultural awareness and inclusivity at the College.
Kolbe’s Aboriginal Scholarship is fully financed by the College, with no funds received from outside agencies. As a College, we appreciate the opportunity to assist Aboriginal families in the education of their children.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for Kolbe Catholic College’s Aboriginal Scholarship, applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- At the time of application, the student must be enrolled in Year 5, as the scholarships are awarded two years in advance of enrolment into Year 7;
- The student must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent;
- Both the family and the student must have a strong desire for a Catholic education;
- The student must live within the College’s catchment area (Rockingham, Kwinana or Serpentine/Mundijong);
- The student should be willing to become involved in the College’s co-curricular activities in accordance with the ethos of Kolbe Catholic College.
DETAILS OF SCHOLARSHIP
- As long as the student’s performance is acceptable, the scholarship covers half the cost of the annual tuition fee for the duration of the student’s time at the College.
- At least two Aboriginal Scholarships are awarded each year to students commencing Year 7.
- Each scholarship is awarded for a period of six years and is renewed on an annual basis, subject to a satisfactory review.
- Families who are eligible for other concessions, eg HCC Tuition Fees Discount Scheme, should note that only one discount is applicable.
- Parents are expected to meet the costs of compulsory charges, such as subject levies, camp fees and excursions.
- Meeting the cost of uniforms and stationery, including the lease of an iPad, is the responsibility of the parents. The College operates a uniform shop onsite.
- Instrumental music tuition is not covered by the Aboriginal Scholarship, as music tutors are paid in addition to class teachers. Instrumental music tuition is an optional additional item and is available throughout the school year.
STUDENT SUPPORT
We understand that Aboriginal students may experience some cultural isolation and may require academic assistance. To make the transition from primary to secondary school easier, the College offers the following support to all aboriginal students:
- Teaching Assistance
To support Aboriginal students in the classroom and beyond the College employs an Aboriginal Liaison Education Assistant. This role includes working with students in the classroom as a professional teaching assistant, supporting the Aboriginal Studies program and liaising between our College and the Aboriginal community. - Homework Club
The College also runs an after school Homework Club. Students from all year levels have access to afternoon tea and a supervised classroom environment for study and homework with support from visiting teachers.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Scholarship Selection Panel will use the information supplied by families to shortlist candidates. Successful applicants will be invited to the College for an interview. The selection panel will consist of:
- Kolbe Catholic College’s Deputy Principal;
- Aboriginal Liaison Education Assistant;
- Community Member;
- Aboriginal consultant (or similar) from Catholic Education Western Australia OR a staff member representative from the College Pastoral Care Team.
REVIEW PROCESS
For each recipient, the following factors will be considered in reviewing the continuation of the scholarship:
- school attendance;
- compliance with the standard Enrolment Agreement;
- projecting a positive image of Aboriginal people to the school community;
Feedback will be provided to each recipient and their family on an annual basis.
In circumstances of continued unacceptable behaviour or continued lack of effort in studies, the Scholarship may be withdrawn. In such cases, parents will receive clear warnings.
APPLICATIONS
Applications for the Aboriginal Scholarship are now open. Application Forms are due back to the College by Friday 3 May 2024.
Eligibility and requirements for next year’s applications:
- Year 5 students scheduled for enrolment into Year 7 in 2026;
- completion of the Aboriginal Scholarship Application Form;
- attachment of a copy of the prospective student’s full birth certificate;
- attachment of copies of the student’s two most recent academic school reports.
No application fees apply.
The Aboriginal Scholarship Application Form must be returned to the Registrar by the scheduled date. Parents will then be notified of the interview process.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
I am so happy that I got the chance to receive a scholarship because I have great teachers like Mrs Dann and Mr Wheeler to help and guide me through high school. I also love that I get the chance to meet new people who have also received the scholarship and make new friends. – Mia, Year 10
I’m grateful that I received the scholarship as it enabled me to not only go to Kolbe but also take part in all of the things they have to offer, like go to Japan and Canberra. – Dani, Year 11
I am extremely grateful that I received an Aboriginal scholarship. It has helped me with heaps of opportunities throughout high school. One of the opportunities that I have gotten is my Traineeship where I have had the chance to do a Certificate 2 in Applied Digital Technologies which will help me to gain future employment. – Jacob, Year 12
I am so grateful for the Aboriginal scholarship. It’s given me access to extra help with my studies. Having the scholarship as a credential is also helpful when placing it on resumes and other application forms. – Bailey, Year 12
FURTHER INFORMATION
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the College on (08) 9592 1500 or via email at info-kolbe@cewa.edu.au.