St Clare's College Community Rejects Proposal to Become Coeducational
Overwhelming survey results show 93 percent of voters oppose admitting boys to school.
1Overwhelming Opposition to Change
The St Clare's College community has delivered a clear verdict regarding the potential transition to a coeducational model. A recent survey revealed that 93 percent of respondents oppose admitting boys to the Griffith-based school. Out of 492 participants, 458 individuals explicitly stated their preference for maintaining the current all-girls educational structure.
2Empowerment Through Single-Sex Education
Parents and students highlighted the unique benefits of an all-girls environment for academic confidence. One parent noted that her daughter, previously silenced in a coeducational setting, regained her voice at St Clare's. Students reported feeling more comfortable participating in STEM subjects, physical education, and public speaking without the pressure of male-dominated classroom dynamics.
3Preserving Sixty Years of History
Alumnae and current families argue that converting to coeducation would erase over 60 years of institutional legacy. The school was founded specifically to empower young women, a mission that remains central to its identity. Supporters fear that changing the school's fundamental structure would undermine the formative experiences of thousands of past and present students.
4Capacity Challenges and Strategic Planning
The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited board is exploring options to address rising demand for Catholic schooling. While St Clare's currently has 336 vacancies out of 864 spots, the community council argues that conversion is not a viable solution. They suggest future demand is concentrated in Belconnen and Molonglo regions.
5Formal Request for Reconsideration
Dr. John Norgrove, chair of the St Clare's College Community Council, has formally requested that the board rule out the conversion proposal. The council emphasizes that the community wants the plan dropped entirely. They argue that the consultation process has already caused unnecessary harm to the reputation and morale of students and staff.
6Broader Expansion Options Considered
The Catholic education board is evaluating various alternatives to meet regional growth, including repurposing existing sites in the south-west or purchasing new land in New South Wales. These options are part of the broader Planning for Mission consultation paper. Community forums are scheduled throughout November to discuss these potential developments with affected stakeholders.
7Concerns Regarding Consultation Transparency
Community members have expressed significant frustration regarding the transparency of the Catholic education system's decision-making process. Many parents and staff feel that the conversion to coeducation was treated as an inevitable outcome rather than a genuine proposal. This perceived lack of openness has created tension and damaged trust between the school and the board.
8Future of Catholic Schooling
The outcome of this consultation will influence how the archdiocese manages capacity across Canberra. With Merici College being the only other all-girls Catholic secondary school, the preservation of St Clare's remains a focal point for families. The board must now weigh community feedback against the urgent need to accommodate a growing student population.