St Catherine's School Sydney - Waverley, New South Wales

August C.

This is hands down the worst school I've ever had the misfortune of studying at. I was a student at both the junior and the senior school in 2015-2017. The junior school was brilliant, the headmistress at the time (Mrs Guy) was brilliant and the staff and teachers were always welcoming.

However the high school was completely different, the teachers were aloof and only cared about the students with good grades and ignored all of the others. Any time a student got into altercations with another student, the only student that would be taken seriously would be whichever one's family had more money or status. After one altercation that I was in (with the daughter of a major donor to the school at the time), I had the vice headmistress assure me that all that would happen is I would get a 3-day suspension at the very most when the headmistress at the time (Mrs Townsend) came in and tried to put me in full in school isolation and complete surveillance for the rest of my time at the school.

The way the situation was handled was despicable. I soon left that horrible classist environment to go to St Vincents College, that was the best decision for my education that I've ever made. Moreso, about 5 other students transfering in that year were also students with awful experiences from St Catherine's. The students were friendly, and the teachers actually cared about the students. If you're thinking about putting your daughter into St Catherine’s, I highly recommend against it, as someone who suffered for years in that hell.

Lydia S.

As a former student of 2006, I did not like attending this school. Unfortunately, my mother was a former student in the early 80's, so was placed on that waiting list.

Unless you have the $$$ (both international and domestic), do not send your daughters here. There are better schools around surrounding suburbs and beyond that don't charge the $$$.

100% agree with the lowest ratings here with the attitudes, especially with the girls in my year. Elitist, snobbish, not down to earth.

The teachers were hit and miss throughout my time. I did find the religious teachers dated with their views and dissuading during that time. Skills and experience wise I did not benefit from anything from going to this school.

Daniel C. T.

I moved my two daughters here from a previous school. I have been very impressed with not only the level of education, but how the staff treat the girls. There is genuine care and nurturing apparent in each class. My only concern was that we are not religious, but they do not push that upon us too much. The facilities are fantastic, and there is a large range of after school activities. My girls are doing better in class and i couldn't be happier.

the T.

St Catherine's did not support me well academically as the school presents to do so. When the staff see your grades are low and you aren't performing well in class they do not take it into consideration by supporting you with help which makes you question what you're spending your money on. The fees for this school is incredibly unaffordable and upon the annual fees you're required to pay so much more. The girls at St Catherine's are rather nasty and not down to earth at all and unfortunately bring on their behaviour towards teachers, the public and their peers at school. overall i would not recommend St Catherine's.

Toddy W.

Fantastic school and excellent, caring staff. Parking and traffic are the only slight downside, but its pretty minor. There are so many extra curricular activities. Moving my girls here was an excellent choice. It might be very expensive, but there is so much value returned. I saw an immediate improvement in my girls' engagement and initiative. Their marks are high in some areas, and in lower areas they get substantial support. Love this school

chrissy S.

In 2016, my daughter, then aged 15, was attending Hong Kong International School to spend a year with her father. Within five weeks of her being there, her father became ill and was later diagnosed with stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (stage 4 brain cancer). Over the next four months, she stayed living in Hong Kong and attending school while caring for her gravely ill father.

He suggested St Catherine’s School as an option for years 11 and 12 for when she needed to return home due to his illness. He had heard very positive reports regarding the school but as we live in Leichhardt, hadn’t thought of St Catherine’s as a possibility until now.

I contacted the school explaining our situation being that we had no idea when she would start, but we needed to have a school enrolment ready for when Hong Kong was no longer an option. We tentatively enrolled her at St Catherine’s and immediately felt welcomed and part of the community.

He died in July 2016, only four months after his diagnosis. I rang St Catherine's the next day and she began year 10 a month later. St Catherine’s helped generously organise everything for her within a week. We didn’t have to buy text books as she was able to use what the school already had. They made it easy.

Together with the support of the school, she finished year ten but only attempted some of her end of year exams but her end of year report did not mention numbers, class placement, or percentages. This report only offered comments, so she would not feel like she had failed anything. I cannot put in words the impact this had on both of us and I thank this school for this incredible thoughtfulness.

In January 2017, just before the beginning of year 11, she said to me ‘she was going to give this HSC thing everything she had’. Then she met the fabulous, incredible, life changing year 11/12 mentor who became more than a teacher, with her role more nonspecific accidental counsellor. As now the only surviving parent, to have this level of care was unbelievably reassuring.

Her math’s teacher instilled in her a belief that she would was going to do very well, not only in mathematics, but in life which implanted a new confidence in her. My daughter often spoke of her surprise in these magnificent women and other staff members being so generously kind to her.

From a financial perspective, after his death I was left with substantial school fees to be paid. I explained my situation to the Head of Finance who showed considerable empathy and together we established a plan to have the school fees all paid by the end of year 12, which I successfully did. At no stage, did anyone ever hassled me, threatened me nor make me feel less.

The Principal rang me the day after my daughter started at the school and spoke to me for an hour offering on going support and kindness which continued also from the students and the staff.

She did give ‘this HSC thing’ everything she had. Her outstanding ATAR does not equate to why I am writing this letter of thanks. As the mother of three daughters, I have instilled in my girls we are not defined by numbers but more importantly, we are defined by our actions. We also believe to give credit where credit is due. It is indeed due here.

I strongly believe that my daughter is where she is today majorly because of the St Catherine’s School community. I also must state, with great emotion, adoration and personal gratitude, my daughter's success is due to her teacher's incredible tireless and selfless efforts.

I will never forget the last two and a half years of St Catherine’s kindness. Thank you, thank you. She is now ‘a St Catherine’s old girl’ and a strong and proud one at that. Her father made an excellent recommendation, being St Catherine’s School and I have nothing but praise.

Chrissy

Maddy P.

st Caths is is such a great school. i was very scared to start high school but i look forwards to going to st Caths everyday. also the activities are amazing, some of my best friends i met through rowing

Sophia S.

I am at St Catherine's until 2019 I started in 2014 and I enjoy the school I have so many nice friends and I enjoy my classes.