Marian College opened in 1988 on the Kenthurst site with an enrolment of 53 Year 7 students. It is a co-educational Catholic systemic school of the Parramatta Diocese catering for students from Years 7 to 12. There are 820 students enrolled in the 2006 school year.
The College was set up to provide a Catholic secondary education for children of families from the parishes of Arcadia, Kellyville and Kenthurst. Its origins reflect a large degree of parish community involvement in the years prior to 1988.
Marian College is committed to developing a faith community based on the love of God and the person and values of Jesus Christ. Whatever the subject, topic, activity or interaction we believe that there is always a place for the values and beliefs of our faith tradition to illuminate the information under question or the decisions being made. The central elements of this faith are lived out in our relationships with other members of our family, school and wider community on a daily basis.
The task of Religious Education in contemporary Catholic schools is complex, with significant challenges and contradictions constantly emanating from the society and culture in which the students are immersed. The media, in all its forms, is now one of the most influential sources of values and attitudes for young people. The messages conveyed in the media relate directly to issues such as relationships, consumerism, sexuality, violence, fashion, spirituality, work ethic, racism and authority. At the same time the concept of an informed conscience has been eroded by our increasingly pluralistic and secular society.
