Established 1868 (1868) Years offered 8–12 Phone +61 7 3230 8600 Founded 1868 | Headmaster Mr Gerry Crooks Campus type Urban Color Gold Motto Faithful Forever | |
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Houses Carey, Hogan, Long, Mary Rice School types Private school, Mixed-sex education, Day school Similar St Joseph's College, St James Catholic Primary S, St Laurence's College, Brisbane Boys' College, All Hallows' School Profiles | ||
St. James College in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, teaches over 400 students from grades 8 to 12 under the direction of the headmaster Mr. Gerry Crooks. St. James College, informally known as "Jimmies", was established in 1868 with only 12 students and is the oldest Roman Catholic boys' school in Queensland. In 1893, the Christian Brothers agreed to take over the school following major economic depression, the government's refusal to pay staff wages and inconsistent student enrollment.
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Jerome William Long (1834–1891) was the first lay Principal to lead St James between 1871–1877, and again in 1880-90, he is accredited with being the first teacher to hold a Class 2, Division 1 certificate in Queensland. Long was honoured by the college, which named Long House after him.
In 1994, the college began to accept enrollment from girls in years 8 and 11, making it a co-educational institution. In 1994, its name was changed to St. James Prac.; it was then reverted to St. James College in 2001. In 2002, its first female principal was appointed. The college has also been known as Edmund Rice College, St James's, and St James Practical College. The college is currently constructing a new library and science complex, named the Joseph Canilli Centre will be completed by 2015 when the college will begin accepting enrollments for grade 7. In 2013 enrollment stood at approximately 480 students. In 2016 St James brought a dog named "Jimmie" into their library, he is a pug.
House system
There are four houses at St James College: Carey, Hogan, Long and Mary Rice and are all under direction of the Assistant Principal - Pastoral, Mr Martin Wiseman. Carey, Hogan and Long were all original houses of St James and Mary Rice was added in recent years.
Current houses
Carey House – Carey House is named after Tom Carey who was an old boy of the College. He became a well-known identity in the Fortitude Valley area and a benefactor of the College for over 40 years (House Colour: Blue) (House Dean: Mr Chris Zammit)
Hogan House – Hogan House is named after Br Hogan, the first Christian Brother Principal of the College from 1893-1898. The Brothers started teaching at St James on October 2, 1893 and the School Register indicates that there were 140 boys on the roll. By 1894 there were 296 and 363 by 1897. The policy of the school at that time under Br Hogan was that ‘every boy who presents himself is admitted’. The fundamentals Br Hogan taught were the 3R’s – reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic as well as book keeping and drawing. The cultural side of the school was not forgotten either with regular singing lessons and dramatic performances. Br Hogan died in Sydney in 1942, aged 79. The cultural diversity of St James truly does adhere to the philosophy of Br Hogan and is a distinct element of our community that sets us apart. (House Colour: Gold) (House Dean: Ms Neha Reddy)
Long House – Long House is named after Mr J. W. Long, Jerome William LONG (1834–1891), the first lay Principal to lead St James between 1871–77 and again in 1880-90, he is accredited with being the first teacher to hold a Class 2, Division 1 certificate in Queensland. As a result of the outstanding education Long is recognized to have provided at St James, many of his students were able to secure scholarships to Brisbane Boys Grammar, following their completion at St James. (House Colour: White) (House Dean: Mr Mr Isikeli Kubunameca)
Mary Rice House – Mary Rice House is named after Mary Rice, the daughter of Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers. This is embedded in the family and community atmosphere we promote within the House. We have a proud tradition of success the main reason for this is the encouragement, enthusiasm and participation encouraged by all House members. (House Colour: Maroon) (House Dean: Miss Erin Johnston)
"Jimmies" basketball
St James College offers a unique and exciting basketball program that is fully inclusive to all levels of ability for both boys and girls. The Jimmies Basketball Program is accessible to all students regardless of their financial circumstances and focuses on development of the individual.
2013 State Championships
In October 2013, St James College won the 2013 Queensland State Basketball Championship and was crowned the "Best Basketball School in Queensland". The team will now travel to Melbourne in December to represent Queensland in the Australian Schools Basketball Championship.