| Principal | Mrs Dale Morrow |
|---|---|
| Year levels | 7 to 12 |
| Enrolment numbers | 844 |
| Boarding or day | day |
| Website | http://www.stritas.qld.edu.au/ |
| Phone | 07 3862 1615 |
| Fax | 07 3262 5039 |
| Postal address | PO Box 548, Clayfield |
St Rita’s College is an independent Catholic school for girls owned by the Presentation Sisters. It has an enrolment of 840 students and is administered by a Board of Directors. Established in 1926, the College has established a reputation as a safe and welcoming school community that nurtures its students to be intelligent, confident and caring young women. We are committed to our mission to educate girls in partnership with their families to an understanding of life based on the values Jesus lived and taught. Consequently, we strive to educate our students to be women of action, not words. It is our vision that students will live the virtues of hospitality, simplicity, compassion, courage, hope and justice. Our students are taught that they have a responsibility to empathise with the poor and marginalised and to advocate on their behalf. Such action is an authentic witness to our school motto, Virtute non Verbis – action not words – and to the examples of our patron St Rita of Cascia and the founder of the Presentation Order, Nano Nagle. To achieve this vision, justice principles underpin the curriculum and students participate in a number of outreach projects. Each week, senior students are involved in preparing a barbeque breakfast for the homeless and providing after school tutoring for students in the local area. At other times, students work with not-for-profit organisations in support of those in need. In addition, each year the College offers Year 11 students a twelve day immersion to Cambodia or India. A commitment to pastoral care is another way that the College attempts to live out its mission. Fundamental to this is a recognition that we educate for the total development of each and every student in our care. This occurs within a community that respects the inherent dignity and worth of each person. Students identify with one of four College Houses and, from Year 8, are assigned to a House Group. Each House Group contains approximately twenty students from Years 8 -12. Throughout their time at St Rita’s, students build friendships across year levels that help to maintain a welcoming environment. Staff undertake professional learning that addresses a range of issues including social and emotional wellbeing and responsible use of technology. Academically, St Rita’s is a school of excellence that provides an extensive curriculum. Our teachers are dedicated and keep abreast of current issues and innovations in education. Our students are challenged to engage with the world both critically and creatively. Consequently, our curriculum strength lies in the consistently outstanding achievements of our students. As evidenced by our NAPLAN data, St Rita’s students achieve results well above the average nationally and in ‘like schools’. In the senior years, the College offers both tertiary and vocational pathways with the majority of our students transitioning to tertiary studies post Year 12. The College also offers programs for a diverse range of learners. In Years 8 and 9, Gifted and Talented students can study Honours programs in English and Mathematics and, in Year 10, they can elect to study Advanced Science. An extensive range of University Science extension programs are facilitated by the College. Students are also encouraged to participate in Tournament of the Minds and the Association of Independent Schools Queensland days of Excellence. In the senior years, St Rita’s students can undertake tertiary subjects at the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology or Australian Catholic University. Students requiring learning support undertake Extra English and Extra Mathematics in Year 8 and Core Mathematics in Years 9 and 10. With guidance from the Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator, teachers develop programs and implement strategies to assist students to develop a love of learning and to achieve to the best of their ability. The completion in 2011 of a new resource centre and Science laboratories, provide our students with flexible learning spaces, integrated technologies and the resources they need to be successful learners. The College curriculum is underpinned by a 1:1 laptop program and a textbook hire scheme also operates. Students are encouraged to enrich their learning by participating in a variety of co-curricular programs in sport, music, drama and public speaking. At inter-school level, St Rita’s is a top performer in the Brisbane School Girls’ Sports Association (BSGSA) and competes in Australian Rules football, netball, basketball, touch football, soccer, hockey, cricket and volleyball. The College also participates, through other competitions, in tennis and water polo. We have a dynamic and extensive instrumental and choral music program for students from Years 8-12. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Theatresports and the Queensland Debating Union and Brisbane Girls Debating competitions. www.stritas.qld.edu.au