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St Mary Coptic Orthodox College

About us

Saint Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College (SMCO) offers quality education anchored in Orthodox biblical truth, guiding every student to discover, develop, and celebrate their God-given potential.

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Welcome from Head of College Welcome from Principal Why choose SMCO? Our Philosophy Our Identity Governance College Leadership

A Message from
our
Head of College

Our Head of College, Father Tadros Sharobeam, shares the guiding vision behind our College’s mission. His message reflects our deep commitment to creating a safe, nurturing Coptic Orthodox environment where students are inspired to discover their God-given talents. Read more to understand the promise we make to every family who joins our community.

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Fr Tadros Sharobeam

College Philosophy

We provide nurturing, Christ-centred education that inspires integrity, learning, and leadership, empowering every child’s unique God-given potential.

  • Christ-Centred Education
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    Christ-Centred Education

    SMCO exists to provide a Christ-centred education that nurtures the whole child spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. Rooted in the sacred tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church, we view education as a journey of faith and growth that shapes both hearts and minds.

  • God-given Potential
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    God-given Potential

    We believe every student is created in the image of God and entrusted with unique gifts and a divine potential. Our mission is to cultivate these gifts by placing Christ at the centre of learning, guiding students to grow in faith, strive for excellence, and develop Christ-like character.

  • Faith and Learning in Harmony
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    Faith and Learning in Harmony

    Grounded in biblical truth and Orthodox tradition, our College fosters a love of learning, a spirit of service, and integrity of character. We honour our Coptic identity through the teaching of faith and language, while also preparing students to thrive in Australia’s vibrant, multicultural, and democratic society.

  • Leaders through Christ
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    Leaders through Christ

    In a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment, we empower every student to explore their God-given potential and flourish. With encouragement and faith-filled guidance, our students are prepared to become compassionate leaders, equipped to serve their communities and shape the world through the love and example of Christ.

History of Our College

Read below to learn about SMCO, the first Coptic Orthodox school in Australia.

  • 1991

    SMCO was officially opened on 23rd February 1991 by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. The College was founded as a primary school, with 51 pupils in a rented premises at 256 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill by the Coptic Orthodox
community under the Directorship of Father Tadros Sharobeam.

  • 1994

    In 1994, SMCO welcomed its first cohort of Year 7 students, marking the beginning of its growth into a full F–12 College. That same year, the College moved to the present site in Coolaroo.

  • 1996

    In 1996 the new Coolaroo site was renovated. Following this period, SMCO continued to enhance its facilities, with the Gymnasium and Chapel opening in April 2007, and the Library, Science Laboratories, Language Lab, and Support Wing completed in 2010.

  • 2010

    In 2010, the College received a Federal Government grant that funded the construction of a two-storey building, featuring a new Primary School Library, two VCE Science Laboratories, a workshop, and additional VCE classrooms.

  • 2015

    In 2015, the College opened a new building that provided additional classrooms for the Primary School and an extra Art Room. That same year, three portable classrooms were also introduced to accommodate Music classes for Primary students.

  • 2020

    In 2020, five portable classrooms were added. Five of these rooms were designated for VCE classes. By this time, the College also housed five Science Laboratories, two Art Rooms, a Food Technology Room, and a Robotics Room.

    During the COVID-19 lockdown, the College used the period of remote learning to refurbish and extend all staff and student bathroom facilities. That same year, seven new buses were added to the College fleet, replacing the older vehicles.

  • 2024

    The College introduced a refreshed logo and purpose, Harnessing your child’s God-given potential. Uniforms were also updated, reflecting a modern identity while honouring the timeless traditions of the Coptic Orthodox faith.

  • 2025

    SMCO was recognised by The Age as one of Victoria’s Top 25 Private Schools for Most Improved VCE Performance and most recently highlighted the College for its continued academic excellence and strong community growth.

    The turning of the soil marked the commencement of the building works for the new Foundation to Year 2 Learning Centre, alongside the announcement of the proposed College second campus in Fraser Rise.