CAPS - Coolgardie

The school was established in 1981 by a group of Christian Aboriginal parents and it began with 20 students. Currently the school population has increased to about 100 students, ranging from Pre-Primary to Year 12. CAPS has two other campuses: a primary campus at Kurrawang and a secondary campus at Esperance.

The Board consists of christian people, mostly of Aboriginal origin, who have a vision to see Aboriginal children grow up with Christ and be given the best opportunity to learn the skills required to live in harmony with the greater community.

Mr Les Tucker is the Chairperson of the School Board, and Mr Trevor Brownly is the Treasurer. CAPS is situated in Coolgardie, which is about 580 kms from Perth and 40 kms from Kalgoorlie. Coolgardie is a gold mining town and is sometimes referred to as a ghost town. This is because the population is about 1200 but in earlier times the population was over 12,000. Coolgardie has 3 road stations, 2 caravan parks, 2 motels and one small supermarket.  The town offers the following activities in terms of recreation: tennis, swimming, bowling, arts and crafts or participation in a selection of activities held at the Recreation Centre.

St Anthony’s Convent (a historical landmark) has been the premises for the school and hostel since 1981. CAPS provides a Christ–Centered Education to students who may not be christian, and who come from as far as the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Kimberley regions. Primary classes are 2-3 streamed and follow the State Education curriculum as well as the Christian Schools curriculum.

In 1998 a new secondary building was constructed and in 2002 a primary building was built. The Secondary campus provides an intensive numeracy and literacy programme for individual students, as well outcome based subjects for the Christian Curriculum and State Education Curriculum. The school caters for both day students from the local community and boarding students. 

The hostel accommodates approximately forty (40) students and  four (4) Aboriginal house parents provide a supportive, encouraging environment with christian morals and values.  Boarding students participate in sporting activities and other recreational activities held in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, as well as regular bush outings.  They are also required to attend church every Sunday in Coolgardie or Kalgoorlie.

Staff are devoted Christians who seek to serve the Lord, and who view their job as a high calling, not only to teach but to be a living witness to the Risen Christ.


Christian Aboriginal Parent-Directed School - Coolgardie
85-93 Lindsay Street
COOLGARDIE  WA
PO Box 28
COOLGARDIE  WA  6429
ph:   (08) 9026 6115
fax:  (08) 9026 6339
email:  principal.caps@bigpond.com

Principal:  Mr Paul Williams
Chairperson:  Mr Billy Vincent