Under the leadership of its new Principal, St Rita’s College students are encouraged to question rather than to assume, to challenge rather than to conform, and to take the lead rather than to follow.
St Rita’s College is a school where minds are opened, dreams are imagined and the Presentation traditions of compassion, hospitality and simplicity establish foundations for the future. It is a place where character is formed, conscience is followed and girls with attentive hearts become women of action.
With an unfaltering belief in the transforming power of education, St Rita’s College provides active and practical learning experiences tailored specifically for the holistic development of girls from Year 5 to Year 12. It is an education in which the Christian values of love and faith are central to learning, where creativity and critical thinking co-exist and where self-respect is more precious than self-importance.
In 2024, the St Rita’s College Board announced the appointment of Mrs Maree Trims to the position of College Principal after farewelling Mrs Dale Morrow in 2023. Prior to this, Mrs Trims served the College for eight years as Deputy Principal – Studies. During her time at the College, Mrs Trims has been leading curriculum transformation focused on developing courageous, discerning and innovative young women of action.
By fostering the courage to stand alone and recognising the power of standing together, a St Rita’s College education calls girls to be women of action not just words – Virtute non Verbis.
This learning environment supports girls to develop numeracy and language, scientific, digital, cultural and civic literacy while enjoying wide academic, pastoral and cocurricular offerings.
Our dedicated teachers continue to review, develop and implement responsive pedagogical strategies to ensure teaching practices serve the learning abilities of students, alongside support and enrichment programs, aimed at each girl achieving her personal best. In this way, our staff nurture students to develop higher order thinking skills and positive mental habits as they develop key competencies including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication and collaboration.
Beyond the classroom
We recognise that education extends far beyond academic learning and balance is essential to a girl’s growth and development. At St Rita’s College, students are encouraged to explore the balance between study and play, between action and reflection, between participation and appreciation.
A wide range of academic, music, sporting, spiritual, service and cultural co-curricular offerings provide rich opportunities for students to gain mastery of a particular discipline, explore interests that complement their formal studies and develop their collaboration, organisational and leadership abilities. This is further supported by an Outdoor Education program focused on developing self-confidence and resilience while building supportive relationships.
Characteristics of determination, persistence and passion are further developed through the College’s extensive mission and outreach undertakings which provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the difference between charity and justice. These programs encourage all girls to participate critically and authentically in our College community and wider society, as they voyage beyond what is comfortable to confront what is culturally difficult and question what is socially acceptable.
Student life at St Rita’s
For many girls, St Rita’s College feels like home. At the heart of our support network is a pastoral care program that encourages student interaction and participation designed to foster a sense of purpose and belonging. From Year 5, each student is connected to one of eight Houses, before formally joining the Vertical House System from Year 7. This structure is the hallmark of personal formation and a central component of life at St Rita’s College.
This approach is supported by our spiritual, social justice and cocurricular programs, each designed to strengthen the learning experience and both challenge and support students through different stages of their development. By providing opportunities for students to develop curiosity, initiative, persistence, adaptability, leadership and social and cultural awareness, girls can move confidently into the world and make a positive contribution to society as women of action.
Established by the Presentation Sisters in 1926, St Rita’s provides a Catholic all girls education for students in Years 5 – 12. To learn more about our approach to girls’ education and our dedication to nurturing women of action visit www.stritas.qld.edu.au.
