Our Culture

St Ursula’s College, a Catholic educational and residential community in the Ursuline tradition, is dedicated to the education and care of young women in Years 7-12. 

We strive to create learning opportunities that will encourage students to take responsibility for their own thinking and learning, so that they may become more resourceful and empathetic young women who seek: 

  • the development of a personal faith and spirituality; 
  • participation and leadership in all facets of today’s and tomorrow’s world.

The challenge for all is to model relationships within and beyond our community based on: 

  • mutual respect; 
  • tolerance and acceptance; 
  • care for the individual and the environment; 
  • interdependence and collaboration; 
  • service. 

Our students, growing in wisdom, justice and integrity, will contribute responsibly to their own transformation and that of society. 

Our Ethos 

“Never cease to cultivate this vine that has been entrusted to you.” 
-Angela Merici 

Although St Ursula’s College began life in Toowoomba in 1931, the College draws its spirit and tradition from the lived experiences of many people in many continents and across many cultures over 400 hundred years of history.

The story of St Ursula’s College is linked in every way with two great stories. 

Our story is grounded in the story of Catholic education that was told dramatically and humbly lived out by Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago.

Our story began in the mind and heart of Angela Merici, the woman who founded the Company of St Ursula in 1535 in the city of Brescia in northern Italy. 

Much of Angela’s spirit continues to influence our approach today as we work towards being a place where people are celebrated for their unique giftedness and potential. 

In recent years there has been a growing awareness among many Ursuline schools that this network can provide a means of mutual support and development amongst our schools through the sharing of spiritual and intellectual resources. It has also been considered that the international nature of the Ursuline schools helps foster an important global awareness in students and staff and an appreciation of other cultures and societies. 

Those who become part of the community of St Ursula’s College inherit this rich tradition and heritage. They also have the privilege of contributing to the dynamic shaping of the charism of Angela Merici as it is embodied in this place and time. 

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge the Traditional custodians of Toowoomba and the surrounding regions, the Giabal and Jarowair peoples and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

We pay respect to their continuing culture and song lines that traverse these lands and the contribution they make to the life of this College and region. 

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Thursday, 16 March 2023 marked the launch of St Ursula’s College Reconciliation Action Plan, a significant milestone for the College.

The event, which also marked National Close the Gap Day, included an Acknowledgment of Country and the unveiling of the RAP Artwork initiative, symbolising our commitment to reconciliation.

With the presence of Elders, Students and Staff, this event was meaningful for our College and community.