2024 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All students who completed Year 12 last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school better understand the different pathways of 2023 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and support for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As an incentive to participate, past Year 12 respondents will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings, and the community to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email, or phone. For more information about Next Step, including previous results, click here. Please forward this information to students from the Class of 2023 who may wish to participate.

Important Notice for Parents of Years 10, 11 and 12 Students

Parents and students are reminded that it is imperative that all students must complete all assessments. At no time can the school make a student exempt from assessment, as per the rules stipulated by our governing authority, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

The only grounds for ‘Extension to Assessment’ (assignment extensions and/or rescheduling of exams) is when medical evidence is provided, or evidence of Misadventure (Eg death of a family member, court and police documents, etc). Holidays are NOT a reason to be granted an extension. This is stipulated in our Assessment Guidelines and a direction of the QCAA, our governing body.

Students in Years 10, 11, and 12 must ensure they attend all scheduled exams and submit all assignments before 8.30am on the due date unless they have evidence of illness or misadventure. Failure to complete the assessment will impact a student’s ability to gain QCE credit and may impact their ATAR score.

Students impacted by illness or misadventure can apply for ‘Extension to Assessment’ via the Extension tile on MySRC.

This past week, I joined the Mercy Partners Lenten Retreat. It was a time to continue the reflection for this season of Lent in a personal pilgrimage. I would like to share the benefits of a personal pilgrimage. 

This is a time to step away from the business of daily life and reflect and nourish your spirit. The journey taken calls us to step across the threshold to a quieter space. Like the threshold of dawn to the day or of dusk to the dark, it is when our old structures fall away, and we can begin to build something new. The threshold of Lent allows us to reflect, on what commitments no longer enliven? What expectations about the world could be released? What barriers or distractions thwart your journey? During Lent, we can look at our spiritual fatigue and how our relationship with God can be revitalised. Like Jesus experienced the temptations in the wilderness, our hectic culture tempts us away from our spiritual alertness. However, the message of this story is the blessing of stillness. Allowing for spiritual repose guards and minds and hearts and readies us to welcome God’s presence with us on our journey. The cultivation of spiritual solitude gives us the space to wrestle with our own internal voices and become clearer about which ones we want to respond to. We tend to think our deserts are bad places, but could it be the spirit leads us there to help us know ourselves better? (Rupp, God’s Enduring Presence, 22).

In every journey, companions are important. They nourish and support us. It is our way of restoring our positive energy, confidence and strength. Nature reminds us of how important companions are. The element of wind or air calls us to breathe in more fully. Fire reminds us of what we are passionate about and where our sparks need kindling. Water calls us to follow the flow and not to try to force things. Earth grounds us and reminds us that we are of the earth and will return to the earth. (Valters Paintner, The Soul’s Slow Ripening, 134-135). Jesus ended his time in the wilderness with a deeper understanding of what he needed to do. We, too, can use the personal pilgrimage to forge a path of service and action. Who are those in need? Who are those who need our voice to be recognised? Who is the stranger that we will help? From the prophet Jeremiah: Thus says the Lord. Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

Written by Michael McGirr

The word ‘heart’ occurs almost a thousand times in the Bible, more than three times as often as the word ‘soul.’ Perhaps this is just another item of trivia but surely it gives us a clue about Christianity. It is a religion of the heart. It gets our blood pumping. In his letter Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis speaks against ‘a culture of walls.’ He asks us to treasure the hope found in every heart: Hope ‘speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning. Hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfilment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love... Hope is bold.’ The word ‘caritas’ means love. The work of Caritas Australia is a heartfelt response to the needs of the world, one that gives expression to our shared hope. Caritas always works in partnership with others. During Lent, as we have listened to the experience of people, we can help through our support of Project Compassion, we can notice that life-giving partnerships with groups on the ground in many countries make this possible. There is a message here for us all. We are called to wear our hearts on our sleeves. To be led by love for others.

Please click here to donate. All donations of $2 and over are tax deductable. There are many ways to consider how to raise your donation. Perhaps, giving up all or some daily coffee or special treats purchases between now and Easter. $25 can support a farmer to buy a pack of disaster-resilient seeds in Malawi. $35 can provide hand sanitiser to increase hygiene and sanitation for community members in Samoa. $50 can support a young mother in the Philippines to attend basic education classes to assist with acquiring employment.

We are proud of the student-initiated clubs that have been created by students, for students. Supported by our dedicated Primary staff, the clubs run across lunch breaks throughout the week and provide opportunities for students to engage with peers across Years 5 and 6 and connect over shared interests. Stay tuned for updates from our Hopeful Hearts Club, Textiles Club and Minecraft Club in the coming weeks.

As part of our College community, Primary students follow the College Uniform Guide. Please refer to the Guide for all uniform requirements. We ask students (and parents) to ensure they are wearing the correct uniform each day.

Primary students receive a reminder (infringement notice) when they are not wearing their uniform correctly. Three reminders will lead to parents being notified and to allow time to rectify the uniform issue. A further reminder will render a lunchtime service, helping with jobs in the Primary area.

This week, we ask your daughter to ensure she is wearing the correct earrings as part of her uniform. Students are permitted to wear gold or silver studs, sleepers or pearl earrings (plain pearl, with no gold or silver features or outlines). Please refer to the earring size chart in the College Uniform Guide for details.

We are proud of the independence that our Primary students build throughout Years 5 and 6 and encourage students to look after their belongings. If students have a misplaced item handed into Student Services or Primary reception, they will receive a reminder. Three reminders will render a lunchtime service, helping with jobs in the Primary area.

Congratulations to the following students who received Pillar Awards this week:

Pillar Awards: Thilde W, Emme C, Claudia S, Sophia M, Emilia H, Poppy J, Grace B, Lauren W, Ebony A, Sophie D, Amelia L, Isabelle G, Millicent H, Quinn U, Vivienne M

Click here for further details regrading upcoming Music events.

CaSSSA - We are approaching Round 7 in the competition and all teams should be commended for their effort and energy on the court. Our Primary teams hit the semi-finals this weekend. The very best of luck for Saturday.

Click here to sign up for Term 2 Development Training. 

Registration is now open for Term 2 competitive squad training. Click here to sign up. 

The Cross Country Carnival will be held on Friday 22 March at Brothers Rugby Fields. Age Champion (Event 1) registration is now open. Click here to register. 

A full program of the day's events will be distributed shortly.

Our next off-site training will be Friday 15 March at Brothers Rugby Fields. More information can be found on the app.

We are also seeking feedback regarding our Cross Country Training program. Please click here to complete the feedback survey.

Year 12 Exercise Survey is out now. Click here to have your say on what type of exercise session you would like available for the Year 12’s this year. The survey closes this Friday. 

Sign up for Term 2 Strength and Conditioning is out now on MySRC for all sessions. Get in quick to select your preferred time. 

Club Netball grading took place last Saturday at DPNA for our 10 Years, 11 Years and Cadets Age Groups. The girls displayed unwavering dedication, pouring their hearts into every game. Many of them went above and beyond, playing up to 3 or 4 games beyond their own teams, and stepping in to fill gaps in other teams. By the end of the day, some players were visibly exhausted, a testament to their commitment. Remarkably, some of our netball players excel not only in netball but also in water polo, seamlessly transitioning between competitions.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to all parent helpers who pitched in on the day. The sense of community within netball is truly inspiring, with everyone lending a hand. Our netball program owes its success to your invaluable support.

Meanwhile, our coaches have been diligently honing their skills behind the scenes, participating in coaching workshops hosted by Netball Revolution. These workshops were nothing short of transformative, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Netball Revolution will soon be conducting clinics for our players, with our coaches providing invaluable assistance. Our girls are fortunate to have access to such a program. The first clinic is scheduled for this Thursday, and details will be shared shortly with those who have signed up.

Our Swim Team made a splash at the 2024 CaSSSA Swimming Championships, securing second place overall and claiming first place in the Percentage Cup, All Age Relay Cup and the inaugural Primary Cup!

For many of our younger students this was their first time representing the College and competing at an interschool competition of this size. Supported by the older members of our Swim Team and our energetic Year 6 and Year 10 Spirit Squad, our swimmers had a great day and did the College proud against some quality competition. We had many wins, some BIG wins and most importantly had fun doing it.

All age group results are as follows:

• 10 Years and Under: 1st
• 11 Years and Under: 1st
• 12 Years: 4th
• 13 Years: 2nd
• 14 Years: 2nd
• 15 Years: 2nd
• 16 Years: 1st
• 17 Years: 2nd
• Open Age: 2nd
• Aggregate Cup: 2nd
• Primary Cup: 1st
• Percentage Cup: 1st
• All Age Relay Cup: 1st

Special mention to Zoe C for creating a new record in the 13 Years Backstroke!

Parents and Guardians are cordially invited to join us for our Community Mass on Tuesday 26 March at 8.00am. The mass will be held in the College Chapel.

Rita’s Longest Lunch is presented in the traditional European Long Lunch style where parents, alumnae and friends of St Rita’s can indulge in their preferred culinary experience along one grand table. Skilled food and wine lovers, contemporary cuisine artisans, or those who prefer a home brought hamper or even Uber Eats, will delight in this day out on Hogan Place at St Rita’s enjoying time with friends and live music.

Tickets on sale Monday 18 March. See our College Website.

Save the Date

The St Rita's College Primary Mother Daughter Evening will be held on Friday 3 May. Tickets on sale soon. See our College Website.

Save the Date

The St Rita's College Mother Daughter Dinner for Years 7-12 will be held on Saturday 18 May. Tickets on sale soon. See our College Website.

In Kildare House, one of our wellbeing initiatives is Ovarian Cancer. During our most recent House Assembly, Kildare and Marian Houses had the privilege of listening to two research scientists who explained the importance of awareness and catching cancer at early stages.

Ovarian cancer is a term for a group of diseases that originate in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. The signs are often vague or non-specific in the early stages, this is one of the key reasons why ovarian cancer is so lethal and is mostly diagnosed in the advanced stages (3 and 4).

With no consistent early signs of ovarian cancer, the development of an early detection test is vital to ensure it can be caught before it is life-threatening. When ovarian cancer symptoms are experienced, they are often misdiagnosed or attributed to other more common conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or food intolerances. If you experience a sudden or persistent onset of these symptoms that concerns you, it is important to consult your doctor. For more information click here.

The most common symptoms and silent signs of ovarian cancer include:

1. Unexplained weight loss
2. Vague abdominal pain or pressure
3. Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion - different to your normal sensations
4. Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating
5. Persistent changes in bowel or bladder patterns
6. Low backache or cramps
7. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
8. Pain during intercourse

To help raise awareness, Kildare participates in a Teal Ribbon Day. In preparation, Kildare House Groups cut and pin teal ribbons for each member of the College and distribute them on 28 February. Students and teachers pin this ribbon on their uniform to raise awareness throughout the school day; the teal colour represents self-awareness and initiative.

Kildare Representatives 

Additionally, Kildare House Group and Year Level Representatives for 2024 were announced during the House Assembly. These leaders were voted on by students in each House Group and Year Level.

Kildare House Group Representatives:

• Kildare 1 - Sophie D
• Kildare 2 - Tabitha M
• Kildare 3 - Gracie T & Amelia L
• Kildare 4 - Georgina A
• Kildare 5 - Molly C & Lucy S
• Kildare 6 - Natasha W

Kildare Year Level Representatives:

• Year 12 – Livia S
• Year 11 – Bridget B
• Year 10 – Jemima L
• Year 9 – Georgia M
• Year 8 – Stella M
• Year 7 – (yet to be announced)

Primary House Leaders Semester 1:

• Emilia H & Myla H

Earth Hour

Nagle's obligation to 'Care for Creation' continues to be our wellbeing initiative for 2024. This year we will be expanding to include the wider community. It is with great pleasure we announce that we will be participating in Earth Hour.

Earth Hour started in 2007 and is now the world's largest movement for the environment, with over 190 countries and territories participating annually to raise awareness. Participants are encouraged to switch off their lights at 8.30pm local time on Saturday 23 March to demonstrate their support for the environment.

This action is symbolic and is not an action to save power. We know it will take so much more than an hour of turning our lights out to have a measurable impact on climate change, but the action helps to bring greater awareness to the issue and demonstrates your commitment to helping protect the planet – both during and beyond Earth Hour.

The world’s biggest landmarks, like the Empire State Building, London Bridge and Australia’s own Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, switch off each year as a symbolic display of their commitment to the planet. Now it is St Rita's turn!

What this looks like for families:

If you can, switch off your lights at 8.30pm on Saturday 23 March in support of the planet.

What does this look like for students:

Nagle has encouraged all teachers in Period 5 on Thursday 21 March to go back to basics. They are to plan and teach a lesson without electricity, where feasible. This is an opportunity to not only raise awareness but to also engage students in varied and memorable learning activities.

Clean up Australia Day Event

Earlier this week, Nagle House participated in a Clean Up Australia Day initiative. After school, students gathered at Oriel Park for a delightful afternoon tea before embarking on a mission to clear the park of litter. Despite its initial appearance, the park was discovered to be littered with waste scattered throughout the gardens and playground.

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed. Without your support, such events wouldn't be possible. A special thank you goes out to the Nagle House Parents who generously volunteered their time to provide a scrumptious afternoon tea. We also express our gratitude to the dedicated Nagle staff members who assisted throughout the event, as well as to our incredible Nagle students who volunteered their time. Witnessing the strong connection formed among Nagle staff, students, and parents was truly heart warming, as was witnessing the positive impact made on the environment.

This week, at the P&F AGM we farewelled the outgoing Executive Committee of Cosi De Angelis (President), Naomi Lock (Vice President), Kelly Cameron (Secretary) and Murray Fairgrieve (Treasurer) and thanked them for their dedication and support of the College before welcoming the new Executive Committee set to continue and build on their efforts.

Introducing your 2024 P&F Executive: 

• President - Pattie Pozzebon 
• Vice President - Anita Fogg 
• Secretary - Anna Martini 
• Treasurer - George Patrikios

The Executive is further supported by a committee of parents and event sub committees. Stay tuned for updates on events, fundraising initiatives and information on how you can get involved in P&F initiatives. Your support makes all the difference! 

Visit the Parents and Friends page on MySRC, accessible via the Parent Hub, for a list of 2024 P&F meeting dates and events.

The P&F Executive and wider committee look forward to meeting new and returning parents at the P&F Parent Welcome Function this Friday night.

The updated 2024 College Uniform Policy can be found here

• Monday - CLOSED
• Tuesday to Friday – 7.30am to 9.00am & 11.00am - 3.30pm (closed between 9.00am and 11.00am). 

 The Boutique is closed during school holidays throughout the year.

Online Orders can be made any time via the Qkr! App and collected during Boutique opening hours.  

Orders received prior to 9.00am Tuesday-Friday will be available to collect from the Boutique from 11.00am the same day. Orders received after 9.00am will be available for collection the following business day after 11.00am. 

The Boutique is staffed by Ms Laurinda Plant who can be contacted on 3860 7119 or via email at boutique@stritas.qld.edu.au. 

Parents wishing to seek out second hand uniform and school items are encouraged to try the St Rita's Buy, Sell, Swap, Giveaway Facebook Group. 

The site is parent administered and new items are being added regularly by families.

The College Boutique does not trade in second hand items.

As St Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, the Mass of the Feast of St Patrick will be celebrated on Monday 18 March. The Mass on Sunday 17 March will be that of the fifth Sunday of Lent and liturgically has precedence. However, we, of the St Patrick’s Day Parade Association who have organised the Mass on St Patrick’s Day for some years now, wish to acknowledge St Patrick’s Day and so we invite you to the 10.00am Mass this year in St Stephen’s Cathedral on Sunday 17 March to join fellow members of the Irish Community in celebrating Ireland’s National Day. While the Mass itself will not have the same “Irish” input as in previous years, it is still an opportunity to come together and pray for the well-being of all us in the Irish diaspora. There will be an opportunity to meet up with new and old friends afterwards over tea/coffee refreshments.

Another date for your diary is the Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, which will take place in the City on Saturday 16 March starting at 10.30am.

St Patrick's Day Parade Association