Standing here at the Emmaus College Burwood Campus, it’s hard to imagine its rich history. Emmaus College opened its doors in February 1980. The college came about by joining St Thomas More College and Chavoin College. St Thomas More College existed from 1968 to 1979. It was located at Forest Hill. Chavoin College existed from 1966 to 1979. It was located at Burwood.
While relatively new, Emmaus College benefited from the traditions of both colleges. Originally, the college had two campuses. Years 7 to 10 were at Vermont South until 2012. Years 11 and 12 were at Burwood. Since 2012, Years 7 to 12 have been at Vermont South. The Year 9 program remains at Burwood. It is known as Y9@E.
Emmaus College welcomes students from many cities. These include Knox, Whitehorse, Yarra, Boroondara, and Monash. Many international students attend too. They come from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Vietnam. Exchange students enrich the community. They come from sister schools in Italy, Germany, and Indonesia.
Emmaus College provides co-educational options for families. The original regional parishes feed into the school. These include St Michael’s in Ashburton. Also, St Scholastica’s in Bennetswood and St Philip’s in Blackburn North. St Thomas the Apostle in Blackburn is included. As well as St Luke the Evangelist in Blackburn South and St Benedict’s in Burwood. Our Lady of Victories in Camberwell and St Cecilia’s in Camberwell South are as well. Furthermore, St Timothy’s in Forest Hill and Holy Saviour in Glen Waverley North. Finally, St Christopher’s in Syndal and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Wattle Park.
The Emmaus College Year 9 Campus is next to St Benedict’s Church. It is on Warrigal Road in Burwood. The Vermont South campus is more spacious. It features playing fields and sports courts. It also has a multi-purpose stadium. The modern buildings are less than 14 years old. They offer excellent learning facilities.
Emmaus College boasts a broad curriculum. It caters to all students’ needs. It runs a one-to-one computer program. The college has a highly successful robotics program. Students can choose electives from Year 9. Year 7 students attend a 3-day orientation camp at Rawson. The college offers many other trips.
Emmaus College provides VET programs with Box Hill and Holmesglen Colleges of TAFE. These programs are part of the Mullum Cluster of schools. The college offers an extensive performing arts program. It runs from Year 7 to VCE. Music and drama are compulsory in Years 7 and 8. All students perform in concerts and plays. Emmaus has a vocal ensemble and several bands. They practice and perform regularly.
Emmaus College is divided into four houses. Chavoin House remembers Chavoin College. Colin House is named for Jean-Claude Colin. More House recognises St Thomas More College. Rice House honours Edmund Rice.
Emmaus College is a member of the Eastern Independent Schools of Melbourne. It has won many EISM premierships. These include athletics, badminton, basketball, and hockey. Also soccer, softball, swimming and tennis.
Several notable alumni attended Emmaus College. They include AFLW footballer Tara Bohanna. Cricketers Scott Edwards and Tess Flintoff. Musician Natalie Gauci. Politicians Catherine King, Tony Robinson and Gabrielle Williams. Actor Ryan Moloney and AFL footballer Dylan Williams.
Emmaus College continues to evolve. A merger with St Timothy’s Primary School and Holy Saviour Parish Primary School is in progress. The Burwood campus will transition into a Trade and Training Program for senior students in 2027. Emmaus College motto is “To Know Christ”. It remains central to the school’s mission. The school fosters respect, dignity, justice and service. It is a forward-thinking community. Emmaus College is a place where students thrive.