Nourishing the Foundation of Learning is The Jurd Way

At Margaret Jurd College (MJC), we believe that before a young person can learn, they must first feel safe, supported, and cared for. Many of our students face complex challenges that can make school a difficult place to be. That’s why at MJC, we don’t just teach, we nurture. 

Drawing inspiration from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we recognise that a student’s basic needs such as food, safety, and emotional security form the essential foundation for growth, learning, and confidence. Only when these needs are met can a young person truly engage in education and begin to thrive. 

Every day, our team works to ensure that no student arrives at school hungry or worried about their next meal. Through our Breakfast and Lunch Programmes, we provide nutritious meals that help students start their day with energy and focus. In the mornings, our caseworkers often meet with students to help them settle, talk through challenges, and ensure they are ready to enter the classroom feeling calm and supported. 

These seemingly small acts, such as sharing breakfast, checking in with a trusted caseworker, or accessing clean clothes and hygiene supplies, make an enormous difference. They help young people feel seen, valued, and ready to learn. 

Beyond the school day, our Community Pantry extends that care to families, ensuring that essential groceries are available for those who need extra support. Stocking the pantry with non-perishable food items allows us to respond flexibly to the needs of our community. Whether it’s providing lunch for a student, a food parcel for a family, or a Christmas hamper filled with festive treats, every contribution helps create stability in a young person’s life. 

Our Christmas Hamper Drive is one of the most heartwarming parts of the year. Each hamper is a gesture of kindness that brings joy to students and their families who may otherwise go without. It’s a simple but powerful way to support the whole family unit, acknowledging that when families are supported, young people have a stronger foundation from which to grow. 

The work we do at MJC is grounded in compassion and care. We exist to engage young people facing challenges in education, offering an alternative secondary schooling environment for Years 9 to 12. Founded in the 1980s as a ministry of the Uniting Church, MJC was born from the vision of Margaret Jurd, a trailblazer who believed in doing things differently. From its beginnings in a pub in Carrington, MJC has always been about meeting people where they are and giving them the tools to move forward. 

Today, The Jurd Way continues that legacy by combining education with a strong focus on wellbeing. Every student is paired with a dedicated caseworker who helps them set personal and social goals, building the resilience and self-belief needed to make positive choices for their future. Our trauma-informed practices ensure that each student receives the individual support they need to succeed, whether they’re completing their RoSA, pursuing their HSC (Non-ATAR), or developing essential life skills through our Lifeskills Programmes. 

At MJC, we know that when a student’s basic needs are met, anything is possible.