In an exciting first for Catholic schools in regional Queensland, St Mary’s College Maryborough and Saint Mary’s College Kingaroy are leading the way as pioneers in Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) online learning program.
The program offers students from both regional schools the opportunity to study subjects such as Psychology and Engineering, which are not currently available at their school.
St Mary’s College Maryborough parent Gretchen Haman, Mother of Year 11 student Maya, said, “we feel so fortunate that our daughter has been provided the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a smaller school community, balanced with options to study subjects not realistically available in regional areas”.
“It’s exciting that our daughter has the potential to achieve her academic dreams through the collaborative relationship between St Mary’s College and FisherONE.”
Mary’s College Maryborough Principal Bree Brockenshire said they were fortunate to be one of the BCE schools selected to participate in BCE’s online pilot learning program in 2025.
“This program bridges that gap, offering courses in Specialist Mathematics, Business, Psychology, Digital Solutions, Design, Accounting, Food Nutrition, and Engineering,” she said.
“FisherONE online education is a game-changer for regional education, where limited staff and resources often restrict subject choices.
“The program opens doors to new academic and career pathways for our students.
“I am grateful for the opportunity for my students to experience the same range of subjects as larger schools and with the expertise of qualified, supportive, expert teachers.”
Saint Mary’s College Kingaroy Principal Carmel O’Brien said, “the real strength for us in FisherONE online education is the values-based education”.
“Our students can access and live out our Catholic values, even online, creating a consistent experience that reinforces our faith and identity,” she said.
“FisherONE provides our students the opportunity to stay connected to our Catholic community and values regardless of our location.
"We’re thrilled to offer our students a rich education without them needing to leave our College.”
Year 12 St Mary’s College Maryborough 2024 graduate said FisherONE online education helped her feel more confident in pursuing a pathway in science.
“I would recommend FisherONE subjects to other senior students as it provides a solid foundation and is flexible enough to accommodate different learning paces,” she said.
Year 12 St Mary’s College Maryborough 2024 graduate Zahlee Wheeler said, “I enjoyed the flexibility this type of learning provided, particularly around busy assignment and exam times.”
In 2025, St Mary’s College Maryborough will also expand its Vocational Education Pathways, offering students hands-on, industry-focused learning opportunities tailored to current job market demands.
As part of the expansion, St Mary’s Collee Maryborough will establish a dedicated Health Hub, with specialised health equipment for students wishing to complete a Certificate II in Health Support and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
St Mary’s Maryborough Youth Support Coordinator Angela Jones said, “this training aligns with the Bachelor of Nursing requirements, allowing students a direct pathway into higher education and careers in healthcare.”
“In 2025, students can also complete a Year 10 Construction Certification, and in Years 11 and 12 they are also offered a Certificate III in School-Based Education Support,” she said.
“A Certificate III in School-Based Education Support will allow students to gain experience as teacher aides and secure direct entry into a Bachelor of Education (primary).
“St Mary’s College Maryborough First Nations students will have the opportunity to work with Elders to complete a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management in 2025.”
In 2025, FisherONE online education will also offer these expanded subject offerings: Ancient History, Modern History, Business, Digitial Solutions, Japanese, Physics, Biology, Food and Nutrition, Psychology, Information and Communication Technology, Specialist Mathematics, Literature, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Accounting, Study of Religion, French, Health, and Mathematical Methods.
FisherONE subjects are available to all Catholic secondary school students across Queensland.
For more information about St Mary’s College Maryborough or to enrol click here.
For more information about Saint Mary’s College Kingaroy or to enrol click here.
©Brisbane Catholic Education, Saint Mary's College, Kingaroy (2024).