St Rita’s College is where traditional values meet a forward-thinking curriculum to transform bright young girls into women of action.
Established by the Presentation Sisters in 1926, St Rita’s provides a Catholic all girls education for students in Years 5 to 12. St Rita’s College is a school where minds are opened, dreams are imagined and the 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 transformative power of education, St Rita’s College provides active and practical learning experiences tailored specifically for the holistic development of girls. 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.
A transformative curriculum
At 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. 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. Hence, the college motto: ‘Virtute non Verbis.’
The learning environment supports girls to develop numeracy and language, scientific, digital, cultural and civic literacy while enjoying wide academic, pastoral and co-curricular offerings.
Dedicated teaching staff 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, St Rita’s College and 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
St Rita’s College recognises that education extends beyond academic learning and balance is essential to a girl’s growth and development. That is why 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 the Outdoor Education program that is 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 the 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
For many girls, St Rita’s College feels like home. At the heart of the college’s support network is a pastoral care program that encourages student interaction and participation designed to foster a sense of purpose and belonging. This approach is supported by spiritual, social justice and co-curricular 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.
