Meet the New St James College Principal

Brisbane, QLD – St James College, a cornerstone of inclusive and dynamic education in Brisbane, has launched 2025 as the ‘Year of Gratitude,’ reinforcing its commitment to fostering a supportive and welcoming school community.

• What: St James College, Springhill Enrolment Information Evening.
• When: Monday, 17 February at 6pm.
• Where: St James College (see map below).
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Principal Andrée Rice, who recently took the helm at St James, has been deeply moved by the positivity and enthusiasm radiating throughout the campus. Speaking about the start of the academic year, Principal Rice highlighted the overwhelmingly warm reception from both students and staff.

“The staff (are) incredibly positive and buoyant about the year,” Principal Rice said in the video above. “Every morning, I see students meeting and greeting each other with genuine excitement to be here.

“One parent told me yesterday that she was nervous about her child starting, but she felt the atmosphere here was more supportive and welcoming than anything she had ever experienced.”

The theme of gratitude is more than just a concept—it is being actively integrated into the school’s daily routine. Through structured moments in homerooms and religious education classes, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and appreciate the opportunities afforded to them.

“We believe Jimmy’s offers our students so many opportunities, but we need to take the time to pause and consciously give thanks so that we don’t take anything for granted,” Principal Rice explained. “We are also encouraging students to think about how they can give back.”

Expanding Horizons and Strengthening Culture

St James College has undergone significant growth, now catering to students from Year 5 through to Year 12. According to Principal Rice, this expansion presents an incredible opportunity to strengthen the school’s unique culture and ensure continuity in the student experience.

“Our younger students now have the chance to absorb the ‘Jimmy’s culture’ from an early age, making it an integral part of their educational journey,” Principal Rice outlined. “This means that our values and traditions remain consistent throughout the school.”

Rice also emphasised the importance of ensuring staff members understand and embody the ethos of the college.

“Parents, students, and staff all know what it means to be part of the Jimmy’s community,” Principal Rice said. “That’s something very special and unique to our school.”

World-Class Facilities and Sporting Excellence

With its recent expansion, St James College has also enhanced its facilities, offering students world-class sporting opportunities. One of the most exciting developments is the installation of an Olympic-standard sprung floor in the school gym.

“Our students are returning to a gym equipped with a world-class, Olympic-standard sprung floor,” Principal Rice said proudly. “This facility not only supports our students in their athletic pursuits but also allows other schools and sporting groups to engage with our college.”

Rice noted that the school’s sports programs have flourished, thanks to increasing student numbers and enhanced facilities.

“Our size now allows us to offer richer learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom,” Principal Rice exclaimed.

A Principal with a Vision

Bringing extensive experience in diverse educational settings, Principal Rice’s leadership is shaped by her time in a remote Indigenous community in the Tiwi Islands and at an all-girls school in Annerley. Her background has given her a deep appreciation for inclusive education and the power of a strong school culture.

“I’ve had the privilege of leading in a remote Indigenous community, which was a complex but incredibly rich cultural experience,” Principal Rice explained. “St James has a long-term relationship with the Tiwi Islands, so it’s amazing to see those connections continue.”

As she embarks on her tenure as Principal, Rice envisions St James College as a ‘lighthouse school’—a beacon of inclusivity, excellence, and diversity in Brisbane’s educational landscape.

“We are a school that welcomes all, achieves outstanding results, and ensures that every student finds their voice,” Principal Rice concluded. “That’s why families are choosing us.

“St James College isn’t just a school—it’s a place where everyone belongs.”

With the ‘Year of Gratitude’ setting the tone for 2025, the future looks bright for St James College as it continues to grow and thrive as one of Brisbane’s most forward-thinking educational institutions.

St James College Fast Facts