MacKillop Education Waranara School is an Independent Special Assistance school in Sydney supporting students in Years 9-12 who have difficulty staying engaged with school.
Waranara is MacKillop Education’s fourth school and its first in NSW. As an Independent Special Assistance school, Waranara supports children and young people in years 9-12 who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from education. Through trauma-informed, differentiated and targeted interventions we help students to continue their education journey.
‘Waranara’ - a Gadigal word meaning ‘to seek’ - honours the history and philosophy of the school. It was established in 2015 by a Catholic mission agency, Good Shepherd, with the similar aim of helping young people stay engaged with education.
In 2024, governance of the school transferred to MacKillop Family Services, to continue and expand that vision and ensure equity and access to education for all students.
Student school hours
We assess and report against the NSW Curriculum, but days and times are slightly different to a mainstream school:
Years 9 & 10
Monday to Friday: 9am – 1.45pm
Years 11 & 12
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 3pm
Friday: 9am – 1.45pm
Office hours
8.30am – 4:00pm, during school term.
School address
11 Mathieson Street, Annandale, Sydney NSW 2038.
We provide intensive academic, social and emotional support to help students achieve their best learning and life outcomes.
To apply, please complete and submit this Referral Form. Alternatively, please contact us to schedule a meeting.
MacKillop Education Waranara School will start Term 4 in fresh new premises at 11 Mathieson Street, Annandale.