Whitefriars College is a Roman Catholic Independent school for boys located in the Melbourne suburb of Donvale, Australia. Established in 1961, the College reflects the tradition of the Carmelites, and is recognised for its uniform's brown blazer with the College Crest appearing on the breast pocket. The College has been a member of the Associated Catholic Colleges since 1999. The College was one of the first schools in Victoria to implement a notebook-computer program, which has now transitioned to a notebook-tablet program, in which every student is provided with a notebook-tablet. Its student population makes it the second largest independent school and educator of boys in the Municipality of Manningham.[citation needed]
As there is a vertical pastoral care (more commonly known as homeroom) system at the College, each house is made up of seven pastoral care groups and each group contains approximately 24 students. This change was made in 2005. Each house is governed by a Head of House. Unlike other schools, students at Whitefriars College are more so responsible to their respective Head of House combined with Pastoral Care teacher, than that of their Year level co-ordinator.
50 years celebration
The College celebrated its 50th year in operation from 2010 to 2011. The school received a New Chapel, Quadrangle and Classrooms to commemorate the occasion. In addition to this, some existing classrooms were also renovated. Students were also presented with a 50-year badge to be worn on their blazer lapel.
Whitefriars college is situated upon 19 hectares (47 acres) of land, making it one of the largest sites of any Catholic Secondary College in Melbourne.
It has a range of facilities, most being specific to the faculty which resides within the building.
Faculty of Sport
Guggenheimer Gymnasium. A soft-court facility used for Basketball, Indoor Soccer, Badminton, Volleyball and some Gymnastic Apparatus.
McPhee Gymnasium. A hardwood facility, used for Basketball, Badminton, Volleyball and Indoor Hockey.
Two football ovals, both with Cricket Pitches
One Soccer Pitch
One Multipurpose court. 6 tennis courts, 1 hockey field
Fitness and Weights Facility/Gym
Faculty of Science and IST
Seven science laboratories
One Computer Technology room
Faculty of English (Butler Building or, B-Block, First Floor)
Four classrooms, predominantly for the use of VCE English classes
Faculty of Visual Arts (Butler Building or, B-Block; Second Floor)
A fully specialised wood, metal and acrylic/plastic works facility
Specialised media room, complete with a media studio
Specialised VCD and Studio Arts room
Junior and Middle School art rooms
Faculty of Performing Arts (Butler Building or, B-Block; Third Floor)
Healy-Wilson Theatre. Received a light renovation in 2013.
Specialised recording studios
Keyboard lab
Two interconnecting Function Rooms
Drama Mezzanine that connects to the second floor
Music and Drama rooms
Faculty of Mathematics (Undercroft or, U-Block)
Four classrooms, predominantly for the use of VCE Mathematics
Some facilities are not faculty specific, and include:
The Duncan Centre (D-Block)
Named after Bernadette Duncan, this eight-classroom block was completed in 2007, specifically for the use of Year 7s. Each classroom is specific to a year 7 house class. It also has a foyer that acts as a Pastoral Care room.
F-Block
An eight-classroom block, consisting of three newer classrooms completed alongside the Duncan Centre in 2007, and five portable classrooms. It is primarily used by year 8s and 9s.
C-Block (Formally known as, 'Southern Wing')
A five classroom block mainly used by middle school and LOTE classes. It also has one science lab, used mainly for Junior School Science. In 2017, this classroom block was demolished to create a more open space in the college between the Quadrangle and the Chapel. It will also allow easier connection between the new Science and Technology centre to the rest of the college.
Science and Technology Centre
A need for new science and technology facilities was identified in the 2015 College masterplan. Construction on a new facility located on a previous staff-parking site, next to the Duncan Centre, commenced in 2017. This new three-level facility will feature Science labs, Material Technology spaces and will also introduce Food technology to the college for the first time. A 200 seat lecture theatre and function spaces will also be included in this new facility.
Shortis Library
Named after the founding principal of Whitefriars, Frank Shortis, the library is widely used before school, during recess, lunch and afterschool by students of all year levels. It provides a wide array of information services that extend far beyond that of average school libraries, as well as acting as a light and relaxed social gathering space for students. It is one of the most used facilities within the college, also offering Year 10 study hall after school on specified days.
Cameron Centre
Named after the Colleges Services Coordinator, Marie Cameron, this centre is equipped with a large canteen and spacious decking for students to enjoy. It is also home to the Whitefriars Health Centre, Uniform Store, Second-Hand Uniform store and the Notebook Service Centre.
In May 2014, it was announced that the Cameron Centre would undergo renovations, creating a relaxing and warm environment for students to socialise.
Undercroft and Study Hall
The Undercroft is located underneath the college library, and consists of four classrooms, mainly used for VCE Mathematics. It also houses the Year 12 study hall.
In 2013 it was announced that the Study Hall would undergo a light renovation, creating a comfortable environment for year 12 students to study collectively in. It was completed in time for the commencement of the school year in 2014.
Community service
The school has two student-run community service organisations, the Key Club, sponsored by the Doncaster-Templestowe Kiwanis, and Young St. Vinnie's. Both groups work in the school community as well as in the wider community on a number of projects. The Key Club runs a recycling drive and St Vinnie's runs a weekly blood donation drive, in which VCE students are encouraged to give blood.
In 2019, Whitefriars reached a confidential settlement with a student relating to accusations that the school failed to take adequate action after an older student allegedly groomed and sexually abused at least two younger boys.[6]
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