Houses and Learning Mentors
Each student at Assumption College is allocated to one of 10 Houses. Within each House are six Learning Mentor Groups, consisting of students across Years 7 – 12. This structure supports continuity, connection, and a strong sense of belonging throughout a student’s time at the College.
Each of the 10 Houses are recognised by their characteristic colour and mascot, and carry the name to honour valued members, places or connections to our College community. These House identities help foster pride, tradition, and community spirit.
Families are typically kept together in the same House and Learning Mentor Group. You may find your child’s House and Learning Mentor Group listed within PAM.
Our Houses
Austin House
Colour: Green
Mascot: Panther
Austin house is named after Brother Austin Somers – Founding Principal of Assumption College. Brother Austin was the first Superior of the new foundation of Brothers in Kilmore in 1893, and headmaster from 1893 – 1897. His leadership laid the foundations of the College community.
Damian House
Colour: Dark blue
Mascot: Dragon
Damian House is named after Brother Damian Willis, Principal from 1944 – 1949. Brother Damian was a young, energetic and disciplined teacher. He was popular among students and staff, with a reputation as a shrewd and vigorous coach of the First XVIII. His commitment to excellence and discipline continues to inspire the House spirit.
Frayne House
Colour: Red
Mascot: Bear
Frayne House is named after Sister Ursula Frayne, the founding Principal of the Academy of Mary Immaculate (AMI). Sister Ursula crossed the world by sailing ship to support the struggling minority of her Celtic clan – and discovered another group of people more severely dispossessed than her own in newly colonised Australia. Her courage, leadership, and advocacy for education remain central to the values of Frayne House.
Hilary House
Colour: White
Mascot: Shark
Hilary House is named after Brother Hilary Conroy, Principal from 1937 – 1942. Brother Hilary guided students and staff through a difficult time for the world – the Second World War. He was given a civic farewell and went on to become Provincial, and then Assistant General of the Marist Brothers. His leadership during challenging times reflects resilience and service.
Gerrabinon House
Colour: Black
Mascot: Cockatoo (Ngarna)
Gerrabinon is the Taungurung word for ‘family’ or ‘kin’. Since Family Spirit is one of the core values of Assumption College, Gerrabinon is an inspirational and aspirational name for one of our Houses, honouring the language of our local peoples. One of the sacred animals of our region is the Black Cockatoo (Ngarna). We respectfully acknowledge and thank the Taungurung people for permission to use these words.
La Valla House
Colour: Purple
Mascot: Griffin
La Valla House is named after the location of Saint Marcellin Champagnat’s first school. Saint Marcellin’s first posting was as curate to the parish of LaValla-en-Gier. Distressed at the village’s isolation, he started a primary school between 1917 and 1824 which was also used as a teacher training centre, the birthplace of the Marist Brothers. This House reflects beginnings, faith, and commitment to education.
Mackillop House
Colour: Brown
Mascot: Kangaroo
Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s Saint was a remarkable woman. She gathered and formed young women into a religious order named in honour of St Joseph (the Josephites). She responded to the vast needs of rural communities by providing leadership and teachers to form Catholic schools. From tiny villages to larger towns, the Brown Joey’s (so named because their religious habits were brown), educated thousands of rural Australians (and still do so today). Her legacy of compassion and service continues through Mackillop House.
Marcellin House
Colour: Yellow
Mascot: Eagle
Marcellin House is named after St Marcellin, the founder of the Marist Brothers Order. St Marcellin was born in the village of Le Rosey near Lyons in 1789 during a time of religious, political, economic and social unrest. He wanted others to have the faith development and happiness of home life he had experienced. His vision remains at the heart of Assumption College.
Marian House
Colour: Light Blue
Mascot: Horse
Marian house is named after Mary, our good mother. St Marcellin and a group of seminarians discussed forming a religious order under the patronage of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They dedicated themselves to her as ‘The Society Blessed Virgin Mary’, commonly called the Marist fathers.
McAuley House
Colour: Orange
Mascot: Lion
McAuley House is named after Catherine McAuley, founder of the Mercy Sisters Order. Inspired by her father’s compassion for the poor, Catherine McAuley founded the Mercy Sisters Order. At the time of her death in 1841, there were 150 Sisters of Mercy. Today, there are over 6200 sisters worldwide organised into independent congregations. Her legacy of courage and mercy is reflected in the House identity.
Learning Mentors
Every student has access to a Learning Mentor, ensuring students receive the guidance and support necessary to thrive and achieve their goals. Learning Mentors play a vital role in the pastoral life of the College.
The role of Learning Mentors is to provide leadership and pastoral care to the students and families of their Learning Mentor Group (LMG). This role is central to building and fostering positive, authentic relationships within our College community, so that all members are known and loved.
Learning Mentors are specifically responsible for promoting the identity and community spirit of their Learning Mentor Group and working in collaboration with their House Leader to ensure the pastoral wellbeing of all. This includes:
- Celebrating students and their achievements, strengths, and goals
- Promoting a sense of pride in the appearance of the LMG’s space
- Advocating for the needs of students and their families to access College resources
- Supporting the participation of students in important full school events
Learning Mentors strive to foster a sense of connection, belonging and community by developing positive relationships with each student and their family. They are parents’ and carers’ first point of contact at the College. For this reason, siblings are typically kept together in the same House and Learning Mentor Group.
Students meet with their Learning Mentor in their Learning Mentor Groups at the beginning of the school day each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This is an opportunity to come together in prayer, share daily school messages, engage in conversation, build relationships, and mark the roll.
Belong, Connect, and Thrive
Our House system fosters pride, tradition, and community spirit, while Learning Mentor Groups provide personalised guidance and support. Families are kept together within the same House and Learning Mentor Group, ensuring a shared experience and deeper connection to our community.
Contact us today on +61 3 5783 5000 or email reception to learn more about our House system and how it supports your child’s growth and success.