Galen Catholic College

Galen Catholic College is a Catholic School based in Wangaratta, North East Victoria, Australia. The school caters for grades 7 to VCE (11 and 12). The motto of the college is Faith and Integrity. The current principal of Galen is Mr. David Seiter.

History

"Galen is a Year 7 - 12 co-educational Catholic Secondary College which traces its origins to the foundation schools of St Joseph's (established by the Brigidine Sisters in 1887) and Champagnat (established by the Marist Brothers in 1954). Located on the former Marist site in Phillipson Street, the school draws students from Wangaratta and surrounding districts.

Galen Catholic College, through its foundation schools, St. Joseph's and Champagnat College, has been providing fine education to the people of Wangaratta and district for the past one hundred years. This has been achieved in large part by the support and efforts of the Catholic communities of the district, together with the religious and lay staff.

Galen College was established in 1975 as a result of a general re-organisation of Catholic secondary education in Wangaratta and district. It was founded to serve as a regional co-educational Year 11 and 12 College in this area and was located on the Marist Brother's property adjoining Champagnat College, and administered by both the Brigidine Sisters and the Marist Brothers.

Galen College was named after Fr. George Devitt Galen, native of Donegal, Ireland, who was the first parish priest in Wangaratta. He was responsible for the building of St. Patrick's Church. He died in November, 1869, aged 32 years.

In April 1982 the Marist Brothers announced that they would be withdrawing from Wangaratta at the end of that year. It was then decided to amalgamate the three Catholic secondary schools - Galen, Champagnat College (Marist Boys Years 7-10) and St. Joseph's College (Brigidine Girls Years 7-10) as from February 1983 to form a co-educational Year 7-12 College, named Galen Catholic College.

From 1983 until December 1989 the College operated on two sites, with years 7 and 8 located at the Ryley Street Brigidine Convent site and Years 9 to 12 at the College Street site. In February 1990 all Year 7-12 classes were consolidated at College Street. The Galen community remains committed to maintaining an awareness of its historical roots, and in particular retaining the charisma of the Marist Brothers and Brigidine Sisters.

From this foundation, Galen College has developed to the point where today it offers a broad, comprehensive education to all families who wish their children to be educated in an environment where the Gospel values are enunciated and lived out." -Galen Website

Facilities

"Galen's programme reflects our desire to develop students academically, spiritually, socially and physically in a caring framework. This is achieved through a balance of subjects and co-curricular activities operating in a well-resourced environment.

The College grounds have been given a major facelift over the past few years. Border gardens have been developed around the College administrative area, and Eco-9 students have developed a native garden. Lawns have been sown, and watering systems put in place to facilitate maintenance of the grounds.

Currently Bernie Jovaris is working with the Galen School Board on a Master Plan, practical and future directions are being drawn up and discussed with the school community.

Features of the College include:

• Separate Junior and Senior Libraries with a wide range of resources
• Computer laboratories and internet access
• Food Technology and LOTE Centre (opened in 2002)
• Arts Technology Centre (opened in 2001)
• Ovals and extensive outdoor facilities
• Indoor Gymnasium / Multipurpose Hall
• Audio-Visual areas / Data projectors
• General and specialist classroom areas
• Common room for senior students
• Bus shelters
• Careers reference area
• Four Science Laboratories
• Max Fletcher auditorium / chapel (opened 2001)
• Senior Student Services Centre (completed 2005)
• State-of-the-art Junior Resource Centre with year seven

classrooms attached" -Galen Website

See also

• Catholic All Schools Sports Association (CAS)
• List of schools in Victoria
• List of high schools in Victoria
• Victorian Certificate of Education

External links

• Galen Catholic College Website

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