In partnership with the parish, parents and other members of the South Johnstone and greater Innisfail community, our school provides students, as they grow and develop, with a high quality education which will equip them with knowledge, skills, personal attributes and the spiritual foundations needed to become well-rounded, active participants in society.
Learning and Teaching
The quality of teaching and learning at St Rita’s meets the high standards set by Government and Catholic authorities. Our school has engaged in a collaborative planning process, to produce a set of curriculum documents based on the new Australian Curriculum. These documents form the basis of current teaching programs which are regularly overseen by the principal and curriculum support personnel as part of quality assurance.
The school staff has worked with educational consultants to select a range of standardised tests which help class teachers and the LST (learning support teacher) to better identify the needs of each student. Results and analysis of these tests are stored in a computer data base and aid teachers to tailor and monitor programs suited to individual needs.
Contemporary Learning
Although ours is a country parish primary school, we are conscious of the necessity to prepare young people for their future in a global society, well-equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century. This requires us to adopt new technologies and new teaching techniques. We strive therefore to offer all students the opportunity to use information and communication technologies in an appropriate and discerning way. We assist them to develop creative and critical thinking skills and the ability to work productively both independently and co-operatively.
Lifelong Learning
Within the context of the values we hold as a Catholic school in the Diocese of Cairns, we encourage each student to develop the attributes of a lifelong learner to become:
- a quality producer
- a designer and creator
- an active investigator
- an effective communicator
- a leader and collaborator and
- a community contributor
Staff and Facilities
Quality teachers and school officers, with a range of age and experience, staff the school. The school’s physical facilities are well-maintained and we provide a variety of technology resources, well-used throughout the school, in support of the school curriculum.
Extra Curricula Activities
The school offers specialist lessons in the arts and physical education. St Rita’s regularly takes part in the Innisfail Young Performers’ Competition. The school also has a proud tradition of participation in sporting events, including athletics, netball, softball, cricket, soccer, rugby league, horse sports and futsal. Our students have enjoyed success on many levels.
Parent Involvement
The parent body is active and supportive through the Parents and Friends Association. Parents assist with the many events that occur in the classrooms and wider school community. They are essential to the success of many of our major events, such as the Mother’s Day Morning Tea, Melbourne Cup Luncheon and bi-annual fete.
Graduate Outcomes
At St Rita’s Catholic Primary School we endeavour to educate children who:
- are resilient, confident and independent lifelong learners
- develop challenging minds integrating creative thinking and problem solving
- have respect for themselves, others and our natural environment
- raise voices for justice and peace following the example of Jesus and his Church
- service generously, give graciously and accept gratefully
- approach life enthusiastically, and open their minds to life’s opportunities
- strive to be always the best they can be at all times
