Marist College Emerald was founded in 1996 as a Catholic, co-educational secondary school situated in the Central Highlands, 300 km west of Rockhampton. The College has a current enrolment of approximately 500 students and is a member of the international network of Marist Colleges, present in over 80 countries around the world. Students attend the College from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds and we welcome and support students of all ability levels. Students travel from surrounding towns, such as Clermont, Blackwater, Springsure and the Gemfields, to take the opportunity to attend the only Catholic secondary college west of Rockhampton. The ethos and mission of the College are significantly influenced by the charism of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. As a Marist school, the College endeavours to implement the Five Characteristics of Marist Education: a community in which hard work and excellent achievement are valued; in which each individual is genuinely respected and loved; of warmth and hospitality in which a strong family spirit is fostered; characterised by simplicity and a recognition of the importance of the person of Mary. The College offers a broad range of academic and VET subject choices that prepare students for tertiary study and/or the apprenticeship and traineeship scheme, the YES Program. The College's mission is to encourage practices that assist students in developing as good Christians and as independent, lifelong learners with a well balanced, positive attitude to life. The co-curricular program provides opportunities for students to participate in a number of sports, an instrumental music program and encourages participation in various community events, such as Clean Up Australia Day and ANZAC Day. The College organises cultural immersion tours to New Zealand for skiing and, on alternate years, to Japan or Papua New Guinea, including completion of the Kokoda Track. Marist College is committed to providing a culture of care through an effective..