It’s not every day that high school students care for 17 cattle, 144 sheep and a flock of chickens as part of their studies — but that’s everyday life for students at St Paul’s College, Walla Walla.

Situated on a 92 hectare working farm, weekly boarding students benefit from the College’s wide range of subjects, with Agriculture a major drawcard for students pursuing a career in the industry or simply wanting to broaden their agricultural knowledge.

As St Paul’s closes the chapter on 2025 – a year focused on what it means to be empowered – the College now looks ahead to 2026 and its new guiding question: What does it mean to find our place in the world?

“As our world continues to change, we are all faced with questions about our sense of belonging, our purpose, and how we navigate the challenges around us. It’s important that our students have the opportunity to reflect on what these ideas mean for them,” says Principal Anita Morton.

“We are witnessing significant growth – the largest the College has seen since it began in 1948,” Ms Morton adds. “This growth is driven by an expanding range of subjects in visual arts and industrial technology, including the introduction of Wood Technology this year, as well as students choosing to continue their journey into senior years or specialised career pathways. The College is fully supportive of every student’s direction.”

St Paul’s views academic success through a holistic lens – success is defined by guiding students toward their chosen pathway. Whether that pathway leads to university, TAFE, training or achieving a high ATAR, each accomplishment is celebrated.

The College’s Senior Schools Pathway Co-ordinator plays a key role in supporting Year 10 and senior students through work experience opportunities and school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, reinforcing St Paul’s commitment to each student’s individual growth.

From excellence in Agriculture, Equine, Sport, Outdoor Education and the Arts to innovative approaches in learning and teaching, the passion and skill within the College continues to inspire.

A standout achievement last year was the selection of Year 12 student Natasha Beckett from Pleasant Hills, NSW in statewide exhibitions in both Industrial Technology and Art – a first in the College’s history and a testament to the talent nurtured at St Paul’s.