Our Students
At the heart of our College, are our students. Their growth and development, spiritually, socially, academically and physically, are central to everything we do.
Inspired by the tradition of the Presentation Sisters, we believe education is most effective when it occurs within an environment built on love, respect, and acceptance.
We are committed to creating an environment that is safe, respectful and collaborative where every student is encouraged to thrive. Here, they are nurtured to be authentic, confident and compassionate individuals who move within our everchanging world with determination and integrity in their actions and words.
Leadership Opportunities
Every student brings unique strengths, talents and potential to our community. We aim to help them recognise and embrace these gifts with confidence, while also fostering humility and a heart for service. Students are encouraged to lead in ways both big and small, whether by organising events, guiding peers, or stepping into formal leadership roles. Leadership roles across the College include (but are not limited to): Year 12 Captains and Ambassadors, Student Voice Council and Primary House Representatives.
Culture of Kindness
Our dedicated staff walk alongside students with both professionalism, kindness and care, supporting their emotional, social and academic journeys. We know that these aspects of growth are deeply interconnected. Our whole school community plays a role in modelling support and resilience. When challenges arise, students can turn to a caring network of experts, including their House Group teacher, Head of House, Head of Student Wellbeing, Guidance Counsellors, Formation and Student Wellbeing support, and Nurses who are available to offer support.
Wellbeing at St Rita's College
Our commitment to wellbeing is seen through the RISE@Rita’s program, a holistic initiative that integrates lessons, assemblies, micro sessions, and parent engagement to foster resilience, integrity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence in students. By involving students, families, and staff, it aims to build a respectful and empathetic school culture, enhance interpersonal skills, and strengthen connections to support students’ spiritual, emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. The Student Wellbeing Framework is a cornerstone of this commitment. It fosters meaningful partnerships between students, staff and families, with a shared goal of nurturing purpose, belonging and holistic development. At the centre of the framework is our vision of ‘Flourishing Student Wellbeing’, surrounded by the College's guiding pillars, each promoting essential dimensions, skills and practices that support lifelong wellbeing.
Our Houses
A key part of our pastoral care is the House system. With eight vibrant Houses, each offering its own focus and opportunities, students find a sense of belonging that lasts throughout their entire journey at the College.
Within their Houses, students uplift, inspire and support one another to be their very best. Relationships formed with Heads of House and House Group teachers provide a strong foundation of trust and care, supporting each student's spiritual, academic and emotional growth.
Each House is also committed to a Ministry and Wellbeing initiative, encouraging students to look beyond themselves and make a positive impact.
The House badge worn close to the heart is more than a symbol; it reflects the core of our students’ identity and the sense of community it fosters.
Patron Saint is St Rita of Cascia
The Winter rose is a symbol of St Rita and the miracle attributed to her. This symbol reminds us that joy, hope and life are possible beyond suffering.
Ministry: Ecumenical Coffee Brigade
Wellbeing Initiative: Country Connections
Patron Saint is Sister Mary Ann Collins, pbvm – second Superior of the Presentation Order
The open book of learning symbolises the preeminent ministry of the Presentation Order: education of the poor. Education was the key to Catholic liberation in Ireland both socially and politically. After Nano Nagle’s death, it was Sr Mary Ann Collins who guided the Sisters to keep Nano’s vision alive through very difficult times.
Ministry: Presentation Slums Mission, Bangkok
Wellbeing Initiative: Our Beauty Within, the Butterfly Foundation
Patron Saint is Mother Gabriel Hogan, pbvm
The old school house symbolises the life work of Mother Gabriel Hogan, pbvm. One of the first students enrolled at St Rita’s College, Mother Gabriel Hogan joined the Presentation Order and served as Mistress of Novices for eleven years, Queensland Superior General for 18 years and President of the Australian Presentation Society for 12 years. The grounds at the front of the College, Hogan Place – affectionately known as The Flat – are also named after her.
Ministry: Presentation Sisters of Papua New Guinea
Wellbeing Initiative: United Nations for Girls Initiatives
Patron Saint is Nano Nagle
Kildare means ‘Church of the Oak’. The crest bears the image of the mighty Oak tree, a symbol of life and strength from humble beginnings. The spread of the Presentation Order throughout the world is often described as a story ‘from acorn to oak’ and the Presentation Sisters in Queensland trace their origins to Longreach through Wagga Wagga and the Mother House in Kildare, Ireland. In March 1874, prior to their departure for Australia, five Sisters each planted an Oak tree in the grounds of the convent in Kildare. Two of these Oaks remain today.
Ministry: St Joseph's Primary School, Murgon
Wellbeing Initiative: Mental Health Awareness and Ovarian Cancer
Patron Saint is Mary, the Mother of God
The crest bears the image of Mary. She was a women of humble beginnings who experienced poverty and oppression during her life in 1st Century Palestine. She is a model of faithfulness and openness to the call of God in our lives.
Ministry: Mithra School India
Wellbeing Initiative: Healthy Mind and Body, Beyond Blue
Patron Saint is Nano Nagle
The lantern is a symbol associated with the ministry of Nano Nagle amongst the sick and poor of Cork. It symbolises the responsibility of all Presentation people to bring life and hope to others, especially those in need. The light of God’s love shines even in the darkest places.
Ministry: Nano Nagle Play School, India
Wellbeing Initiative: Environmental Action
Patron Saint is St Rita of Cascia
The bee, the rose and the two figs are three significant symbols of St Rita’s life. They relate to three miracles prominent in her life and symbolise a life graced by God. As the Saint of Impossible Causes, St Rita reminds us that nothing is impossible for God.
Ministry: Orange Sky Laundry
Wellbeing Initiative: Harmony Day
Patron Saint is St Francis Xavier
The ship bearing the cross and Bible on the sails symbolises the ministry of St Francis Xavier. A co-founder of the Society of Jesus, St Francis Xavier travelled to parts of Asia, most notably India and Japan, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. One of the first Presentation Sisters to arrive in Australia in 1866, Mother M. Francis Xavier Murphy, pbvm, also took his name.
Ministry: Sacred Heart Tamil Medium School, India
Wellbeing Initiative: Child Protection Awareness
We acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional owners of the land where St Rita’s College now stands.