Stuartholme School has been an icon of the Brisbane landscape for 100 years. The heritage listed buildings and beautiful chapel can be seen poised on the Mt Coot-tha ridge in Toowong.
Behind the stained-glassed windows and Romanesque architecture, identified by the large towers, decorative arcading and round arches, that can be seen from afar, Stuartholme School is far more than meets the eye.
The school is home to 120 boarders who still occupy the main building, which first opened in 1920. The dorm rooms have been lovingly renovated over the years, creating a tranquil home for them. The verandas and common rooms give the girls unrivalled views of the Brisbane CBD.
Inside the buildings, classrooms maintain their architectural history, while being fully equipped with the latest technology for 21st century learning.
The grounds have also been extended as the school community grew and facilities now include a performing arts building for music, art and drama. The music facilities include three large classrooms, six rehearsal rooms and a recording studio. Art classrooms are complemented by a sculpture courtyard and kiln and support the school’s long tradition of creating, acquiring and displaying works of fine art. Performing arts events are very well catered for with the 485-seat, air-conditioned theatre, tree-top level Green Room and spacious foyer.
The state-of-the-art science labs include dedicated prep rooms and flexible seating to maximise theory and practical work.
Sporting facilities have been developed over time, with the most notable additions being five multi-purpose courts, oval and Aquatic Precinct.
Although the grounds have changed over the school’s 100 years, the education and care of the students remains grounded in the five goals of a Sacred Heart Education.
These goals articulate the vision of the school’s foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, who believed in educating the whole child. Saint Madeleine hoped that education within her schools would be profound enough to inspire people to rebuild, renew and transform society, wherever they lived.
Stuartholme girls are encouraged to be the best they can be by taking the opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom. Teachers use a variety of teaching practices to extend their students including subject differentiation and enrichment opportunities.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to join one or more of the 15 sports on offer. With participation rates far exceeding the average for teenage girls, Stuartholme offers a team for any student who wishes to participate.
“The individual child has always been the focus of what we do at Stuartholme,” explains Principal Kristen Sharpe. “We strive for academic success, but it will never be to the detriment of a student’s wellbeing.”
“As the School celebrates 100 years in educating girls, we are thankful to everyone who has been a part of our community and we look forward to making the next 100 years the best they can be.”
