The Southern Cross Catholic College – Ignite Your Passion
Southern Cross Catholic College provides the premier personalised applied learning approach in Sydney for students in Years 10 to 12 seeking a specialised education in trades, technologies and creative industries.
With a focus on empowering the individual, the college offers students a variety of career pathways, including access to Traineeships and Apprenticeships. Students can fast track their careers, whilst also completing Nationally Accredited Qualifications and the HSC at the same time.
Welcome to Southern Cross….
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Southern Cross Catholic College, a place where young people are known, valued and empowered to thrive. Established in 2010 and proudly connected to St Mary’s Parish, Concord, our College is grounded in a strong Catholic tradition with a particular devotion to Mary. This foundation shapes a community centred on faith, compassion and service, where relationships matter and every individual belongs.
There is a deep connection across our Southern Cross family, founded on strong partnerships and positive relationships between our students, our dedicated and generous staff, our parents and carers, and our parish community.
We place great importance on authenticity, inclusivity and truly knowing each student. As an award‑winning school, Southern Cross Catholic College is a place for young people who are brave enough to step beyond their comfort zone and embrace a non‑traditional schooling experience, one that recognises different strengths, values diverse pathways and celebrates success in many forms.
Our motto Head, Heart and Hands underpins everything we do. It reflects our commitment to rigorous learning, strong values and meaningful action. Through innovative programs, outstanding facilities and strong partnerships with industry and community, we prepare students not just for the next step, but for life.
I warmly invite you to discover a College community that is forward‑thinking, inclusive and deeply committed to transforming young lives through education.
Tammy Prestage
Principal
History
Although Southern Cross Catholic College is newly formed, it is situated on historically rich ground. In 1888, Michael Sheppard built and named his home, Kassala. Born in Limerick, Ireland, he was educated in Dublin and came to Australia in 1880. Kassala became a busy home for the growing family hosting many social events. In 1914, his daughter Elsie Sheppard married Lieutenant Sydney Cook, the eldest son of Joseph Cook, who had been the sixth Prime Minister of Australia in 1913.
To the west of Kassala were three acres of land on the corner of Comer Street and Britannia Avenue, owned by Dean McCarthy. Upon his death, he left the land to St Mary’s Concord Parish to build a school for boys. Opened in August 1909, the Christian Brothers took up the work of teaching in 1910.
St Mary’s Parish acquired Kassala in 1924, and it became the home for the Christian Brothers who taught at the school. Christian Brothers’ College Burwood continued until closing in 2010, its centenary year.
In 2008, the Sydney Catholic Schools were successful in receiving The Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) funding. With this funding, the first round of Trade Training Centres (TTC) in schools came about, starting with a vocationally focused senior secondary college at Burwood.
With the appointment of its inaugural principal, Mr Patrick O’Reilly (2010 – 2019) Southern Cross Catholic College was founded in 2010 for this purpose.
While the college is a beacon of all that is innovative and forward thinking, we appreciate the intrinsic heritage in the bricks and mortar of Kassala for what it represents: a strong and evocative link with Burwood’s and Christian Brothers’ college’s past.
Charism
Southern Cross Catholic College is grounded in the Marian tradition and charism. Mary Help of Christians, the Patron Saint of Australia, holds a special place in the life of the Church and the nation. The title Our Lady of the Southern Cross signifies that Mary, the Mother of God, watches over and guides the people of this great southern land.
Catholics in Australia have had a deep devotion to Mary since colonial times, when there was not yet an established Catholic Church in Australia. One of the first Catholic priests to arrive in the country, Fr John Therry, dedicated the Australian Church to Mary under the title Mary Help of Christians.
Pope Leo XIV reminds us that, “The mystery of the Church is also reflected in the Virgin Mary: in her, the people of God find the representation of their origin, their model and their homeland.”
This is particularly true for the Southern Cross Catholic College community. Drawn together at Burwood from across Greater Sydney and representing a rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds, the College community looks to Mary as its model of faith, discipleship and service. Through her example, students are inspired to grow in wisdom, compassion and commitment to Christ while contributing positively to the wider community.
College Mission
Inspired by faith and through authentic relationships, we educate the head, heart and hands with passion and innovation empowering every student to discover their unique path to success.
College Vision
At Southern Cross Catholic College, inspired by the guiding light of the Southern Cross and the nurturing presence of Mary, we envision a vibrant learning community where:
Faith Leads the Way
Guided by our Marian tradition, we celebrate a life-giving faith that inspires compassion, social outreach, and a deep sense of purpose. United in our vibrant Catholic community, we walk with Mary as our model, seeing the face of Jesus in all we encounter, and living out our call to serve.
Learning Unlocks Student Success
Every student is uniquely gifted. Through nurturing strong relationships and a culture of care, inclusion and encouragement, each learner is known and valued. We foster passion, creativity and a love of learning—empowering every student to succeed.
Wellbeing is at the Heart
Through authentic relationships and a deep commitment to holistic education and genuine care, we foster a culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated, kindness is promoted and student wellbeing is prioritised. We uphold high expectations and a family spirit where all students can flourish.
Innovation Shapes Futures
As leaders in vocational education, we embrace innovation, excellence, and the latest technologies to deliver dynamic learning opportunities and visionary programs that are future-focused, practical, and transformative. We equip students with the skills, confidence, and adaptability, preparing them for life beyond the classroom and ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Partnerships Strengthen Us
We recognise the power of connection and community. Strong partnerships with families, local parishes, businesses, and organisations enrich the life of our College. Together, we open doors to rich learning experiences, authentic workplace learning, employment opportunities, and personal growth as we are stronger when we walk together.
Together, we build a future where faith, passion and community converge to create a better tomorrow.
St Mary’s Parish Concord is our parish community and has a rich history dating back to 1870, although the first church was established on the site in 1845. In 2020, the parish proudly celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its long tradition of faith and service.
Our College Masses are celebrated at St Mary’s Church, just a short walk from the College, with Fr Manuel presiding over these special liturgical celebrations.
As the official College Chaplain for Southern Cross, Fr Manuel is regularly present on campus, providing spiritual guidance and support to both staff and students. He is actively involved in the College’s social justice initiatives and serves as a valued pastoral and faith leader within our community.
A: 56 Burton Street, Concord NSW 2137
P: (02) 9747 4210
E: parish@stmarysconcord.org.au
W: www.stmarysconcord.org.au
Mass Times
Saturday: 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am and 6.00pm
Monday-Friday: 8.30am
